BRIDGWATER was invaded by a host of superheroes and sci-fi characters who helped to raise more than £2,000 to mark World Neurofibromatosis Day and to show support for local youngster Tayen Gilbert.

Tayen, aged four, was born with the genetic condition neurofibromatosis type 1 and has tumours on both her optic nerves.

Despite intensive chemotherapy, she has been left completely blind and epileptic.

Her parents Kali and Kevin organised a fundraising Feel the Force Day, supported by EDF Energy’s Hinkley Point Visitor Centre, in Bridgwater’s Angel Place Shopping Centre last Saturday.

Andrew Lawden, who was a stunt double in Star Wars Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace, was on hand to teach younger visitors a series of moves from the hit sci-fi movie.

The Star Wars theme continued with sensory jars where visitors were encouraged to take a deep breath and identify the lingering whiffs which included essence of Ewok and aroma of Chewbacca’s feet.

There was also a touch table featuring figurines of movie action heroes made of different materials.

The sensory theme was designed to give visitors an idea of what life is like for Tayen who has to rely on touch and smell rather than sight.

The visitor centre also had displays featuring Batman’s mask, Incredible Hulk fists, an Iron Man mask and Captain America shield.

Sherryl Sellick, visitor centre co-ordinator, said: “It was a really good fun day and we were kept busy with more than 700 people coming into the visitor centre during the event.

“We were only too happy to help Tayen’s family by supporting the day and enabling them to raise lots of money for the charity Living Paintings which produces tactile and audio books for blind and partially sighted people.”

More information about Tayen and her parents’ fundraising campaigns is available online at www.facebook.com/tayensjourney/.