A NEWPORT community is coming together this weekend for a fundraiser for a little boy born with a hole in his heart - after his story featured in the Argus.

Deacon Gilbert is all smiles now, but he has been through a lot since he was born 25-weeks prematurely in June 2010. Weighing just 1lb 13ozs, Deacon was in hospital for six months before he was allowed home.

We featured his story in May.

The 15-month old also faced chronic lung disease and subglotic stenosis, a narrowing of his airway, leading to problems with his breathing.

In August he had an eight-hour operation to repair a hole in his heart, during which one of Deacon’s lungs collapsed and doctors discovered a second hole.

Deacon’s mum, Jessica Gilbert, 28, from Alway, said: “They couldn’t see the second hole before, because his heart was so small.”

The youngster Deacon has regular appointments with his cardiologist at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport, and also visits Bristol Children’s Hospital for ear, nose and throat treatment.

Miss Gilbert said people are a lot more aware of Deacon's condition since he featured in the Argus and his story has encouraged a lot of people to help out.

Tomorrow a fun day fundraiser is being held at Alway Community Centre to raise money for Deacon.

Leanne Bill, one of the organisers, said: “We want to try and raise enough for them to go on a trip as a family or just to help them with hospital visits.”

Miss Bill’s father Patrick is bailiff of the New City Anglers who fish at Lliswerry Pond and the anglers ran a fishing competition a couple of weeks ago to help fund the fun day.

There will be a bouncy castle, face painting, stalls and games, as well as a disco with DJ Mark Davies.

The event takes place between 1pm and 4pm and everyone is welcome.