A NEW juice bar, which opened in Chepstow last week, has launched a special juice to help a Caldicot tot to walk independently.

Lesley Sterry, who currently runs The Old Station tearooms in Tintern, opened new juice bar, The Orange Crate in Beaufort Square, following a long interest in the health benefits of juicing.

On April 12, the juice bar held a special launch event, opened by two-year-old Imogen Ashwell-Rice, who suffers from a debilitating nerve-muscle condition known as spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, which means she walks on her toes, has stiffness in her legs and poor balance and co-ordination.

Her family need to raise £40,000 to assist with treatment, and Miss Sterry decided to get on board with fundraising by launching a carrot juice with an apple and lemon base to their menu, named after Imogen, from which 20 per cent will be donated to assist with the campaign.

Imogen’s mother Catherine launched the Help Imogen Walk Appeal which aims to raise the funds for Imogen’s treatment and aftercare.

She said: “Having this operation will hopefully allow Imogen to become independent by the time she starts school and improve her gait and balance.”

Mrs Sterry said: “We are proud to be helping Imogen and her family in their campaign to raise funds.”

She added she was really excited to have had Imogen open The Orange Crate last week.