THE community rallied around to organise the "birthday of a lifetime" for a young girl just weeks after her mother died.

Elouisa Germon, 15, who lives in Cogan, lost her mother Laura Germon suddenly at the age of 44 on July 25.

Laura died in her sleep and it is still not known what the cause of her death was.

She left behind a husband, Andy, and two girls Elouisa and 11-year-old Kaylyn.

Victoria Walker, whose daughter goes to school with Kaylyn, decided to organise the party at Cogan Coronation Club on Saturday, August 5.

Everything from hair, make-up and afternoon tea were donated by local businesses as well as food, cake, vouchers and balloons. amongst others.

All donations were the result of local businesses rallying around to support making the day extra special for the 15-year-old.

One anonymous donor contributed £200 towards the day with a cash donation.

Mrs Germon's sister in law, who did not wish to be named, said: "It was a time when Andy was organising the funeral.

"At 44 you don't ever expect that to happen.

"The local community came together to support the family at this difficult time.

"In Cogan, everyone knows everyone. It takes something to happen then everyone pulls together. To put it together in a week is quite something.

"Victoria deserves a lot of thanks because she got the ball rolling."

Victoria Walker added: "Moving forward from this tragedy, I decided to arrange a 'birthday of a lifetime' for Eli who turned 15 two weeks exactly after her late mother's birthday."

"We were lucky enough to receive donations from many local businesses in the area to make this party happen.

"Most of the businesses have recognised that although it is Eli's birthday, it would be unfair to exclude the other child, Kaylyn, due to the circumstances so have made donations for both children."

Both girls had a day of treats including having their hair and make-up done and an afternoon tea before the big event in the evening.

Cogan Coronation, Amorio, Lily Pad, Cardiff Bus, Umpa Lumpa, Pizza Pronto, Jones The Bus, Foxy's Deli, Rowley's, Butter Me Up, Windsor Fruit and Veg, Starbucks, Milk and Sugar, Anna Loka, Atma, The Hair Business, Little Miss VIP, The Copthorne Hotel, Tesco in Penarth Marina, West Midland Safari Park, Tony's Pizza, Queen B, The Bike Shop, Leisuretime, The Spring Garden, Dotty Pots and Serene Silver all contributed something towards the day along with several individuals.