THE family of a little girl who has lost her sight due to a rare disorder will be special guests alongside sci-fi personalities at a big fundraising event in Bridgwater.

World Neurofibromatosis Day - Feel the Force Day: Invasion Bridgwater will take place to help raise awareness of the condition that affects people like Tayen Gilbert.

Neurofibromatosis is the general name for a number of genetic conditions that cause tumours to grow along the nerves.

During the fundraising event from 10am-4pm on Saturday at Angel Place, there will be a special visit from one of the original storm troopers from the Star Wars films, Chris Bunn.

Other guests include Nicola Bryant who played Peri Brown in Dr Who and Virginia Hey who played Zhaan in Farscape.

Three-year-old Tayen has tumours on both optic nerves.

She has lost her vision due to these tumours and is having chemotherapy to try to stabilise her condition.

Tayen’s mother Kali Gilbert said: “Tayen’s a bit of a fan and as a family we quite like sci fi and Star Wars, we’d always settle down on a Saturday and watch Doctor Who and things like that.

"We came across another charity called Feel the Force who put on these sci fi events. They make it a great family day out.

“We don’t ever have a target of how much we want to raise - it’s very much ongoing. To date I believe we’ve raised over £10,000 through various fundraisers.

“It’s about raising awareness and getting this out there.

“All the money raised from this event will go to the Neuro foundation.

"Our Facebook page Tayen’s Journey is a campaign which raises money for the Neuro foundation."