Two mothers are fundraising for war-torn Syria this Christmas after seeing “heartbreaking” images of babies in a bombed-out hospital on the news.

Lexy Topping and Hannah Williams, both journalists from Leyton, said as mothers they could not stand by and watch the footage without doing something to help.

The pair have organised a raffle, the Leyton Gourmet Giveaway, with meals at award-winning restaurants up for grabs.

The cash raised will go to Syria Relief charity, one of the few groups to be still working on the ground in Aleppo.

Ms Topping, of Farmer Road Leyton, is mother to 13-month-old Sonny.

She said: “I see it on the news everyday but the thing that made me act was seeing that a hospital in Aleppo was bombed and the nurses and doctors were trying to get the babies out of the neonatal unit.

“I thought of how my son came into the world having the best care and never being cold and he doesn’t know what it’s like to feel hungry.

“The mums and dads in Syria care about their kids just as much and it is heartbreaking.

“A lot of people feel they cannot do anything to help the situation from their day job but we want people to know they can help and they should just go for it.

“It is difficult to look at. The temptation is to switch off the television because you feel so helpless but we wanted to harness some of that incredible community spirit we have in Waltham Forest and make even a small gesture to help.”

Prizes include all-expenses paid hospitality tickets to a Leyton Orient game, a dinner for two at Marmelo Kitchen in Francis Road, Leyton, and a roast for four at Pepper’s Ghost in Leyton High Road.

A meal for two at a top London restaurant as guests of BBC Good Food and a £30 voucher for Yardam in Francis Road, Leyton are also up for grabs.

Mrs Williams, of Lawton Road, Leyton, is mother to one-year-old Bram.

She said the response from businesses in the borough has been overwhelming.

She said: “Practically everyone we’ve approached has wanted to help and have given more than we’ve asked for. It makes you proud to live in Leyton.”

Ms Topping added: “Things are so desperate in Aleppo at the moment and hundreds of thousands are facing freezing temperatures.

“Even if people only buy a few tickets we can help keep a family warm."

The raffle will be held at Leyton Technical pub in Leyton High Road on December 20, with complimentary mince pies for all guests.

Tickets are £2.50 or five for £10. To donate to the campaign clicke here.

For more information on how to get involved in the campaign email alexandratopping@gmail.com