COMPASSIONATE artists, business owners and parents are pulling together to help a young East End girl who suffered a brain injury face a brighter future.

An art auction - with donated pieces from up-and-coming artists as well as food and drink – has been made possible by the generosity of East Enders who were touched by Ruby Lambert’s story.

During a normal school day in April, Ruby, six, suffered massive heart failure and was revived by a teaching assistant before being rushed to hospital.

After two weeks on a ventilator, Ruby was found to have suffered a brain injury and now requires intensive round-the-clock treatment at a specialist children’s trust.

Touched by all the offers of help from the community, Ruby’s mum and dad Catherine Newell and Simon Lambert, from Bethnal Green, decided to organise an art auction, with proceeds going towards Ruby’s care.

Support came from local businesses and friends and the auction, to be held on Tuesday (December 13), now has 30 pieces up for sale – with four from Turner nominated artists.

As word spread, artists from as far afield as New York and Dublin offered up artworks.

Ms Newell said: “So many people kept asking us how they could help and we didn’t know what to say. We know a few local artists and discussed the auction with them.

“Since then, we’ve had this overwhelming response. I think Ruby understands and appreciates what we’ve explained to her about it.”

Ruby receives regular speech therapy, physiotherapy, schooling and music therapy at Surrey’s Children’s Trust.

She is showing progress every week and gradually regaining the use of her limbs.

Ruby’s full rehabilitation is being funded by the Primary Care Trust but her parents fear some services could be taken away when the spending cuts come into full force next year.

The auction, at art space Rochelle School, off Arnold Circus in Bethnal Green, will kick off at 3.30pm with a kids afternoon tea followed by the auction.

The venue is being provided for free, as well as food from Tayyabs of Whitechapel and beer from Fuller’s.

The pieces will be sold on eBay and on the site from Sunday.

Go to site one4ruby.com for more details or to make a donation.