The daughter of former Whitchurch mayor is supporting a fundraising appeal to help support disabled children and their families.

Pauline Jones, from Whitchurch, is sponsoring one of a 1000 trees that will be planted around the soon to be opened headquarters of Caudwell Children in memory of her mother Councillor Doris Ankers.

The Caudwell International Children’s Centre will be the UK’s first independent purpose-built facility dedicated to providing multi-disciplinary assessment, support, and research of neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism.

Pauline said it was a wonderful opportunity to plant a tree in her mother’s memory.

“My mother sadly passed away in 2013, and would have loved the idea of being remembered in this way," she said. "When I heard about the possibility of purchasing a tree in someone’s name, I immediately thought of my mother.

“She had a wonderful sense of humour and there were times when she laughed so hard that she cried. Now, whenever it rains, I look up and think that she’s laughing at something and the rain is her tears of joy. It’s a wonderful way to remember her.

“My mother once gave birth to a baby with spina bifida who didn’t survive for many hours. However, had the baby lived, I’m sure that she would have been so grateful that such a wonderful place like Caudwell Children now exists to help all children with life limiting disabilities."

Mark Bushell, from Caudwell Children, added: “It’s a fantastic gesture by Pauline and in return she will receive a special, numbered, certificate.

"She will also have her mother’s name inscribed on the charity’s ‘1000 Trees Thank You Plaque’ and her family will also be invited to an exclusive VIP tour of the new centre."