STAFF at a Worcester firm united to fund-raise in order to give one brave youngster a special birthday present.

In August, workers at Worcester Bosch began a fund-raising campaign in a bid to raise £3,000 to buy an orthopaedic bed for brave Georgia Bristow.

Justin Bieber fan Georgia turned 12 on Thursday, October 17, despite doctors informing her family she would not live past three, after being diagnosed with hydrocephalus.

The Warndon youngster, who lives with mum Sharon, dad Simon and younger brother William, was also diagnosed with epilepsy and a curvature of the spine and has to use a wheelchair to get around.

Despite her young age, Georgia has had to undergo 63 operations but continues to keep a positive outlook on life.

Mrs Bristow, 33, whose sister works for Bosch Worcester in London, said: “I am very grateful to all those who donated, it’s been amazing. I wouldn’t have done it without them.

“I got a call from them saying they were doing this for Georgia and they gave me a tour round the factory and people recognised me. Georgia must be well known.

“Despite everything she has been through and having to use a wheelchair, she faces every day with a smile. She’s very inspirational. I am so proud of her every day.”

The cash was raised through a variety of fund-raisers, including a raffle with prizes donated by a number of local restaurants and pubs, an iPad, money to spend in the Bosch shop and a Bosch drill.

Rugby team Worcester Warriors also donated match tickets to the raffle.

The Bosch Worcester football and golf teams also made financial contributions towards the total.

Sue Bayliss, manufacturing training and development manager at Worcester Bosch, said: “We support a charity every year, but with Sharon’s sister working in our London branch, we wanted to support Georgia.

“It was so nice to see all the guys banding together, it was great for morale. 

“With Georgia being local it was a lot more personal to everyone and so we all worked that bit harder to raise the money.

“When you see what she has to go through every day, it puts everything into perspective. She’s a very brave little girl.”

Hydrocephalus is caused by a build-up of fluid inside the skull, which can increase pressure and cause damage to the brain.

For more information, visit headway.org. uk/hydrocephalus.aspx.