A YOUNG Hampshire mum who is battling leukaemia is staging a charity fundraiser this weekend to help other sufferers.

Leona Shinn is holding a charity children's fun day in aid of the Daily Echo-backed Red and White Appeal.

The 28-year-old, who was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2010 and regularly has to spend time undergoing treatment in hospital, has organised the event at the Irish Club in Eastleigh from 1pm to 5pm tomorrow.

Leona, who has a daughter Olivia, five and a son Harry, three, hopes the event will help raise hundreds of pounds for the Red and White Appeal.

The appeal aims to raise enough cash to create a specialist day treatment unit at Southampton General Hospital for patients with leukaemia and other blood disorders.

Leona, from Sedgwick Road, Bishopstoke , told the Daily Echo: “My family and friends have been absolutely fantastic- the help I get and the support I get is amazing.

“Olivia is really on the ball and understands why we are doing the fun day - she has even come up with ideas and loves making cakes.

“She is like my little nurse and helps dress me when I'm having a bad day with my illness. She's very grown up for her age.

“I want my children to grow up knowing that they have helped out and raised money to help poorly people like their mum.”

If you are able to help or to find out more about making a donation, call Leona's mother-in-law Sharon on 07919 910171.