A CARING running club has finished a kitchen refurb for a Kidderminster couple in time for Christmas - after they had to abandon the project to treat their ill newborn.

Evie Cookson's situation was so dire that dad Alex Cookson was forced to give her life-saving CPR back in April.

The tot was rushed back into hospital with sepsis less than two days after she was born.

Mr Cookson, aged 29, had planned to use his parental leave to redo the kitchen at the home he shares with Jasmine Bayliss, aged 28.

But, when their second child’s condition emerged, he had to down tools - which is when his local running club stepped in.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Work to revamp the kitchenWork to revamp the kitchen (Image: Alex Cookson)

Members of Amazing Feet - of which Alex is a part of - clubbed together to complete the pair's plans.

And they've managed to do it on a budget by calling in favours and donations - meaning the kitchen will cost just a few hundred pounds.

Alex Cookson, who lives in Spennells, said that they will now be able to have their Christmas lunch together as a family.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Selfless volunteers hard at workSelfless volunteers hard at work (Image: Alex Cookson)

Mr Cookson said: "I'm genuinely blown away and taken aback by this.

"We've actually got something to look forward to at the moment. It's just amazing.

"It's a surreal achievement after everything we've been through - to see what the club's come together to do for us.

"The most important thing is, it's a functioning kitchen. We are going to be having Christmas lunch there - the four of us.

"We can't comprehend how much it means to us".

Kidderminster Shuttle: The kitchen after the refurb workThe kitchen after the refurb work (Image: Alex Cookson)

Nicki Fisher, the treasurer of the running club, who runs a flooring company, said: “It’s just amazing how everybody’s pulled together.

“It’s going to make such a huge difference to their life”.  

Mr Cookson thanked Howdens Kidderminster, Norgrove Building Supplies, TWS Windows and Doors, BH Painting and Plastering and M&L Electronics for donating materials.