A MUM whose little boy’s life was saved by a liver transplant is encouraging Hale ladies to dig out their handbags for a fashionable fundraiser.

Julie Algie is putting the final touches together for the Sex and the City-themed Hale Handbag Swap at Hogan’s of Hale on Thursday July 21.

The evening, starting at 7pm, boasts a handbag raffle, pop-up shops, including Randalls Jewellers, Sacculos, Vanilla and The Edit Boutique, canapes and music.

All proceeds go towards helping Julie’s son Blair and his friends take part in the British Transplant Games 2016 in Liverpool at the end of the month.

Four-year-old Blair was born with a rare life-threatening liver disease and had his life-saving liver transplant just before his second birthday.

Julie, who lives in Hale, is no stranger to event organising; she and husband Keith host an annual The Big Yellow Friday Comedy Night at Bowdon’s Cinnamon Club in support of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF)

Julie said: “We ladies love a great night out and we love our handbags, but also like some variety so I hit on the idea of organising a swap to give everyone the chance for a new-for-you change of style. We are hoping for a quite a few really special handbags so hopefully it will be a night to remember.”

Blair received his life-saving transplant at Leeds General Infirmary in March 2014. The children’s liver unit is one of only three specialist units in the UK.

The youngster will be competing as part of the Leeds Children’s Transplant Team, alongside 41 other youngsters aged from two to 17 years old. All the children taking part have experienced chronic illness and received a liver or renal transplant at the hospital.

Julie said: “Last year Blair attended his first games in Newcastle and he absolutely loved it, taking part in the under 5s section including obstacle course, ball throw, 50m track, beanbag archery and stacking.

“It was so inspirational to meet children from all around the country just like Blair who are there to celebrate getting their childhood back and the gift of life they have been given by their amazing organ donors and families. The games are an uplifting and emotional event, but they are also the best possible way of showing what a huge difference organ donation makes.”

Tickets, priced at £15, are available online from hogansofhale.com or from Julie on 07944 778499.