CHILDREN at Bowerhill Primary School have helped raise nearly £400 to support research at Southmead Hospital in Bristol.

They donned costumes relating to their year topics last Friday to support Maureen Poulsom, a former member of staff who is raising funds for neurosurgery research.

During the early hours of September 6, 2016, Mrs Poulsom had a seizure and was rushed into hospital in Bath.

Following emergency MRI and CAT scans at the Royal United Hospital, a very large benign brain tumour was diagnosed.

She said: “This news was devastating to the whole family. I had not experienced any health problems up until this totally unexpected turn of events.

“I had moved house, retired from working at Bowerhill Primary School for over 25 years in admin and finance and was looking forward to a relaxed life.

“Events moved very quickly and within a week I underwent extensive surgery at Southmead Hospital, Bristol, to remove the tumour.

“However, at the end of October 2016, a second emergency operation was carried out to drain an infection.

“I underwent a third operation at the beginning of February 2017 to replace my forehead with a titanium plate.

“I feel exceptionally fortunate to still be alive, and be able to enjoy life.”

School spokesman Nicola Davis said: “We invited Maureen to our morning assembly to give a talk and see all of the wonderful costumes.”

So far, Maureen has raised nearly £1,230 after setting an initial target of £500.

To support her campaign, see https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/maureen-poulsom