GENEROUS friends and members of the public have taken up the fundraising effort to support newborn Hallie-Rose whose mum tragically died last week.

Owner of Newport pub the Ivy Bush, Dave Went was so touched after hearing the story of Caroline Howarth, from Pontypool, who died on May 10 after she suffered a severe asthma attack, he decided to join the fundraising effort for her daughter.

A fundraising night was held at the pub at the weekend which saw hundreds turn out.

Guests took part in a auction and raffle which saw Dean Thacker, from Newport, bid £185 for a signed Newport County top, donated by the Smile Council, fundraisers for the Newport County team.

Others bid on a variety of items including a signed Newport County football donated by the Ivy Bush.

Mr Went said that the whole night was a success raising around £800.

The Argus reported how Mrs Howarth died after suffering an asthma attack coupled with a decreased level of oxygen in her blood, which caused her to go into cardiac arrest during an emergency caesarean section to deliver the baby.

Mrs Howarth gave birth to a healthy baby girl, named Hallie-Rose on May 8, but the new mum's heart stopped for an extended amount of time in which she suffered loss of oxygen to the brain and she was placed on life support.

The family decided to allow her to pass away peacefully on May 10, just two days after the birth of her daughter, when four of her major organs were supported by machines and it became apparent that there would be lasting damage to the brain.

Since then tributes have continued to pour in for Caroline and the Ivy Bush along with Caerleon Town AFC, have started fundraising for the baby.

The Ivy Bush now plans to hold another fundraising night on June 21 called ‘Caerleon Rocks For Caroline’ which will feature artists from Caerleon coming together to raise funds from 8pm onwards.

Meanwhile fundraising continues on the Just Giving page 'Donations in memory of Caroline Howarth' set up by Caerleon Town AFC player Jonathan Tattershall, which has already raised £490 towards its goal of £2,500.

To donate visit http://www.gofundme.com/93mbw8.