A Clipstone-based charity that helps local families is on the lookout for new trustees to help its expansion aim.

The Emily Harris Foundation was set up by Clare and Neil Harris following the loss of their daughter, Emily, in February 2007.

Emily had been born six weeks prematurely in the previous September at Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, weighing 3lb ½oz.

It had been identified during the pregnancy that she was suffering from a serious heart condition and had also been having problems growing in the womb.

The foundation was set up to help staff working in neonatal wards, and to support families who have children receiving treatment on those wards.

It works mostly at King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton, but Clare, chief executive of the charity, wants to expand what it does so it can help more families.

“We have fabulous trustees who are absolutely brilliant, but we would like to expand what we do and so we need additional trustees to help us reach our goals,” she said.

“We have spent time putting in place the right structures so that we can expand and help more families.

“Ideally, we need people with experience of charities, and people with extensive networks so that we can spread the word even further.”

The charity helps many families throughout the year, and it is estimated that it has issued more than 2,250 welcome packs since it began its work.

An open day is being held to help people find out more about the work of the charity at Teversal Village Hall Hall on Saturday, 23rd March, at 12.30pm.

For more information email [email protected]