IPSWICH: A family whose baby daughter has battled to overcome a rare condition have organised a special fun day to raise awareness about it.

Brave Lilly Meakings, who is due to celebrate her first birthday next week, has been treated for Plagiocephaly over the past five months.

The condition leaves babies with severely mis-shapen heads. As a result Lilly has had to wear a special helmet for 23 hours a day to reposition her skull.

Lilly’s father Gavin said that the treatment has proved successful and his daughter is due to have the helmet removed later this month.

Now Mr Meakings has organised a fun day to raise awareness about the condition and the charity which helped him to fund Lily’s treatment.

Mr Meakings, 26, of Radcliffe Drive, Ipswich, said: “When we first found out that Lilly had Plagiocephaly it was the first we had heard about it and we were quite shocked.

“But we were told that a highly successful form of treatment was available – a lightweight helmet which allows the baby’s head to round out.

“At the current time this treatment is not available on the NHS as it is considered to be purely cosmetic. Fortunately we found out about a charity called Headstart4babies which help families who can’t afford the treatment.

“Lilly had the helmet fitted on November 5 and has worn it for 23 hours a day a ever since. The past few months have been a tough time so we thought we should do something to celebrate and thank Headstart for their help.”

Mr Meakings and his partner Lisa, 30, have organised a fun day on Saturday, August 13 at Trimley Sports and Social Club.

He added: “Lilly is coming towards the end of her treatment and we wanted to make people more aware of Plagiocephaly and raise funds for Headstart4babies.

“We came up with the idea of a real family day with a five-a-side tournament, bouncy castle, slides, pony rides, raffles and a disco.

“We are asking as many companies, people and organisations as possible if they would be willing to donate an item to our raffle to help this very worthwhile cause.”

Anyone interested in donating an item can contact the newsdesk on 01473 324802 and we will pass your details to Mr Meakings.

n Have you or someone in your family overcome a rare condition? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@evening star.co.uk