AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD Llanrhystud girl has organised a Hallowe’en party to raise money for Syrian children after feeling “helpless” at what she was seeing on the news.

Bethan Rosser (pictured with her sister Mari) has been in contact with children’s charity, UNICEF to seek advice on how to raise as much money as possible, and is hoping to raise £500 to pay for food, clean water, warm blankets and medicine.

Bethan, who has also had help from her mum and friends, is asking people to help in a variety of ways, from buying a ticket and turning up, to donating raffle prizes or sponsoring the event.

Bethan said: “I have a little sister called Mari who is very naughty, but I cannot ima­gine my life without her in it.

“We’ve seen the heart-breaking pictures on the news, pictures of little children’s bodies washed up on the beaches.

“Children who have lost their mums and dads, their brothers and sisters because of the war.

“I was shocked by what I had seen, sad and felt completely helpless.

“The children who have left their homes because of fighting are now vulnerable to disease and starvation.”

After feeling compelled to do something to help the families of Syria, Bethan said her mum suggested organising a fund-raising event.

She added: “I’ve asked my friends to help me organise a Hallowe’en Party in our village to raise money to help the children of Syria through UNICEF who have given me lots of top tips.

“We will have a fancy dress competition, best pumpkin competition, games and a raffle.

“If you would like to donate something for the raffle or sponsor the event in any way, that would be great.”

Tickets purchased in advance are £2.50 or £3.50 on the door, with all proceeds going to UNICEF in Syria.

For more information or to book tickets, either visit the event’s own Facebook page, Hallowe’en Party Fundraiser for the Children of Syria, or call Bethan’s mum, Anwen on: 07795155052.