A winter wonderland is being prepared for families to enjoy while raising money for a good cause.

The Christmas extravaganza has been organised by Medway charity My Shining Star, which was set up by Gillingham mum Anita Marinelli.

Mrs Marinelli created the charity after she put her life on hold for almost a year to raise more than £500,000 for her friend’s daughter Ruby Young.

Ruby was diagnosed with the aggressive childhood cancer neuroblastoma.

As exclusively revealed in the Medway Messenger earlier this month, Ruby is now cancer free.

The money was raised for lifesaving treatment in the USA if Ruby needed it and Ruby may still go there to receive ground-breaking treatment to prevent the disease coming back.

After reaching her target for Ruby – and winning last year’s overall Pride in Medway award – Mrs Marinelli, 35, had her project officially recognised by the Charity Commission.

She has been working with friends Gemma Justice, Kim Akhurst and Natasha Armstrong to make the charity a success.

Money from the festive event will help families with a child suffering from cancer.

It is being held on during the weekend of Saturday, December 9 and Sunday, December 10, behind 97 Chaffes Lane, Upchurch. Admission is £1.

There will be mulled wine, a hog roast, live music, Christmas themed stalls, a raffle and a licenced bar, while youngsters can meet reindeer, which will be there both days from 1pm to 4pm.

Other attractions include a bouncy castle, crafts, face painting and creative writing, as well as children’s rides on the Sunday only.

A visit to Santa’s grotto and elf experience costs £10 and must be booked.

To find out more visit, www.christmaswonderland2017.eventbrite.co.uk or email enquiries@myshiningstar.co.uk