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A brave four-year-old girl has inspired women across the world to crochet squares for some very special blankets.

Grace Haywood, who lives in King's Stanley, Stroud has just undergone her third open heart surgery to help her cope with a condition she was born with - half a heart, hypo-plastic left heart syndrome or HLHS.

Now two Stroud friends have organised crochet fans from all over the world to each make one heart square to be sewn together into a blanket for Grace and other children with the same condition.

Lindsey Newns and Jen Taylor have offered the crocheters the choice of eight different heart designs to choose from - all designed by Instagram crochet designer friends at #littleheartsforgrace.

Because purple is Grace's favourite colour, it was suggested the squares be in purple and pastels, and measure 15cm x 15cm.

Currently more than 300 squares have been received from places as far afield as Australia and New Zealand, America and Germany, as well as many parts for the UK.

The huge response means the completed squares will now be sewn into two blankets. One will be given to Grace and the other will be raffled for Little Hearts Matter and Bristol Children's Hospital, where Grace was treated.

Lindsey and Jen are friends of Grace's parents, Jo and Ben, with children of the same age. They want to assist the family in raising awareness and funds for the two important charities that have supported Grace.

Grace's Mum Jo said: "It's such a great idea and it's been so lovely seeing all the squares come in. I am so excited to see the finished blankets. The kindness of people from all over the world is amazing."

The raffle will be held throughout the month of March at In Stitches, Lindsey and Jen's local yarn shop in Westward Road, Stroud.

Anyone wanting to donate to the charities can go to JustGiving at www.justgiving.com/littleheartsforgrace