THE MOTHER of a toddler who underwent extensive eye surgery is fundraising to provide Gloucestershire hospitals with valuable technology for children in a similar situation.

When four-year-old Rafferty Vollans-Bentley from Cam had to undergo several operations to remove cataracts and have artificial lenses put in, he was given an iPad to help him keep calm and distracted while the surgeons worked.

It proved to me a big help for the Slimbridge Primary School pupil and his mother Ally was surprised to hear the ophthalmology ward at Cheltenham General Hospital only had one donated iPad for more often than not a large number of children.

The sales manager has now embarked on a fundraising drive to purchase four of the Apple tablets for Cheltenham general and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital to ensure no child is left to face to the scary ordeal on their own.

“They’re such a brilliant team we just wanted to help,” she said.

“Far too many children need to have these operations. There were children from two to 14 and the iPad was just as valuable to them all. It’s priceless to them.”

To help raise the money for the electronic equipment which cost around £400 each, the mother from Woodend Lane is holding a raffle with prizes including £50 in high street vouchers and a celebration cake made by a top chef.

So far £800 has been raised and the draw will happen at Berryblue Cafe in Cam on Saturday, march 22.

If you want to purchase tickets or want more information, call Ally on 07889 353845 or email her at Allisonvollans@btinternet.com