Lauren Cosgrove, at just eight-years-old, founded Lauren’s Lifelines last year after deciding that she wanted to help children in similar positions to herself.

Living with incurable short bowel syndrome, Lauren suffers chronic pain and makes countless visits to Yorkhill hospital. She needs to carry around three machines in backpacks — almost two-thirds of her own body weight — every day to stay alive.

But the bright youngster put her own needs to one side and campaigns relentlessly to raise money for Lauren’s Lifelines.

It aims to raise both awareness and funds for further research into her illness and provide support services for families. It also provides special swimsuits so children with her condition can go swimming safely.

Now to mark the charity’s first birthday, proud mum Laura has put together a fundraising night.

Taking place in the Crofthead Bowling Club in Neilston on March 7, Laura has already got a number of big ticket items to raffle off and boost charity coffers.

She said: “It’s definitely a date for the diary and we hope to celebrate all the amazing things that the charity has achieved over the last year.

“We have had such amazing support from so many people and it has went beyond our wildest dreams.

“The is going to be a live band and Caledonia ceilidh and disco, buffet, raffles, auctions and tombola.

“The price of tickets are £10 and this also includes you in a cash prize raffle.” Olly Murs tickets, Vamps tickets, signed memorabilia and a whole range of items will be up for raffle and auction.

However Laura has appealed to businesses from Barrhead and the surrounding area to donate and help them smash their fundraising targets for the night.

She added: “We were wondering if anyone or businesses would have any donations we could have for raffle or auction prizes — we are so thankful for everyone’s continued support, it makes a massive difference.” Lately Lauren, the 2014 Barrhead News Reader’s Community Champion, has been in and out of Yorkhill after suffering a number of complications with the parental line which feeds nutrients directly into her heart.

However the plucky youngster was insisting in going back to school at St John’s Primary just days after her operation, and continues to defy the expectations of both her doctors and even proud mum Laura.

She said: “My wee Lauren has the heart, strength and courage that’s indescribable even after everything she’s been through she’s actually talking about what’s next for her charity Lauren’s Lifelines.

“She’s unbelievable not a thought about what she’s just came through just thinking of ways to help other kids like her.” More details about the charity night will be released in coming weeks, however to register interest in tickets for the night on March 7 you can visit Lauren’s Lifelines on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lauren.cosgrove