A charity casino night has been held to thank a ward at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for their care of a five-year-old girl from Hellesdon.

Lucy Palmer, who attends Heather Avenue Infant School, spent time in the Jenny Lind Children's Ward after suffering from a blood clot around Easter time.

It was a terrifying time for her mum and dad Lori and Jim Palmer, who were told by doctors that their daughter was lucky to be alive.

Lucy experienced the blood clot after bumping her head and suffering mild concussion. Her mum said that for three weeks after the bump she had been fine, but suddenly she took a turn for the worse. She had suffered from ear and neck ache, which had been put down as a viral infection, but it was not until she had a problem with her eye that a blood test was taken. This test revealed that she actually had a swelling on the brain.

An operation behind her eardrum helped but she is still on tablets to reduce her high pressure, although these are currently being reduced.

Mrs Palmer said: 'We did not realise how close we were to losing her until the consultant said we were lucky to have her.'

She added that the evening before the operation was the worst night of their lives for her and her husband Jim, 32. Lucy was only on the children's ward for a week but has returned many times.

Mrs Palmer said that Lucy is 'getting there slowly', with another MRI scan scheduled soon.

She decided to organise an event to help raise money for the ward and the casino night was the logical choice, as she runs Paradise Fun Casino in her part-time.

Mrs Palmer said: 'I was nervous, especially the day before. I had never organised one, I have always been to other people's and turned up and dealt. It was all very stressful but all worthwhile when you see how much we raised.'

At the casino night, at the Black Horse pub, on Earlham Road, a raffle was held with prizes ranging from printers through to meals, roller skating, ice skating and cinema tickets.

In total they raised �1,040.

Mrs Palmer said: 'It was absolutely brilliant. The aim was to get �800 but I said I would love to break a grand.

'Everyone was so supportive and Lucy had a great time.'

Are you holding a charity event? Contact Local Life reporter Richard Wood on 01603 772423 or email richard.wood@archant.co.uk