A BARNOLDSWICK girl has raised more than £1,500 for two cancer charities in memory of her step-grandad who died from the disease.

Nine-year-old Elle Honeyman, a pupil at Coates Lane Primary School in Barnoldswick, was determined to raise money for Cancer Research UK after her step-grandfather Tony Crowther, was diagnosed with bowel cancer last summer.

"When she found out he was poorly she wanted to do anything she could to help him and decided to raise money for cancer research," said her mum, Hannah Watson, of Barnoldswick. "He was diagnosed with cancer last summer and Elle decided at Christmas that she wanted to raise money for Cancer Research UK."

Just before Christmas, experienced young runner Elle had already completed the Barnoldswick Santa Fun Run to raise money for Barnoldswick and Earby Bosom Friends.

"Elle felt the 5k run was too easy and needed a challenge," said Hannah. "That's when she chose the 10k Race for Life in Leeds.

"She started training for it, but sadly Tony passed away in March," she said. "Elle had already raised £1,000 by then, so he was really proud of her.

"She's had a tough year, but she's really strong and she went on to complete the Leeds 10k Race for Life in just over an hour."

Hannah said Elle's running club, the Barlick Fell Runners, have been really supportive of her efforts and helped with her weekly training.

Elle has now raised £1,461 for Cancer Research UK and her mum said because she has raised so much, she decided to give any extra funds she receives (£85 to date) to Barnoldswick and Earby Bosom Friends, who also did a lot to support Mr Crowther.

"At nine years old, it's such an incredibly kind thing to do," added Hannah.

"She fondly remembers cooking with her step-grandad. They're a very close family.

"The support Elle has received has been overwhelming. We are so grateful and cannot thank everyone enough."

Visit justgiving.com/ellehoneyman to make a donation on behalf of Elle.