A SPECIAL charity set up to care for sick children and their families has celebrated its first anniversary.

The Ronald McDonald House at Arrowe Park Hospital marked its milestone by inviting the first and 100th families to share their stories.

The event, which was held on Wednesday, gave users of the service a chance to revisit the House and meet other families.

A special superlambanana – the 'superabbeyroadbanana' - was also unveiled as a tribute to the charity.

The seven-bedroom House, which serves families of premature babies, provides free accommodation to parents so they can stay close by.

As well as helping families in the local area, the charity has lent a hand to people as far away as Uganda.

Tracey Lawson and her partner Dan were one of the first families to stay at RMH Arrowe Park after their daughter, Abigail, was born at just 25 weeks old.

Tracey said: "Abigail was born very early with many complications and there were so many nights we thought might be her last.

"She required a lot of specialist care and long stint in an incubator which led to further complications with her eyes, heart and kidneys.

"She also experienced two blood clots on her brain and had to be resuscitated three times which was terrifying.

"I am so glad we were able to stay in Ronald McDonald House Arrowe Park as it allowed us to be close to Abigail and to rest and sleep.

"The staff were so friendly and supportive and really understood what we were going through.”

To donate to RMHC please visit www.rmhc.org.uk/donate or consider dropping your loose change in a collection box at your local McDonald's.