A SIX-year-old girl has raised money for Airedale Hospital after being inspired by Keighley-born Captain Sir Tom Moore.

Little Emilia Bailey decided she wanted to do something in support of the Steeton hospital after taking part in the national clap commemorating the life of Captain Sir Tom, who raised more than £32 million for NHS charities by walking laps of his garden last year for his 100th birthday. He died last month.

Emilia, who lives in Eastburn with mum Saraya and dad Sam, chose to take on a litter pick and an online fundraising page was set-up – which has coined-in hundreds of pounds.

Saraya, who works as a healthcare support worker at the hospital, said: “We went out for the clap for Captain Tom and I explained to Emilia why we were doing it.

“When we came back in she asked what he had done and when I told her she said ‘that’s amazing, I want to do something like that to help the hospital with the bad bug’!

“I told her she could do anything she wanted, thinking she’d maybe want to hold a bake sale, but she chose to do litter picking. She said she wanted to make the streets nice and clean for everybody.”

A fundraising page was set-up on Facebook with the aim of raising around £60, but it reached £840.

DHL, where Emilia’s grandmother works, is hoping to match the amount raised.

Saraya added: “Proud doesn’t even come close to describing how we feel about Emilia, we’re just so in awe of her.

“She’s amazing – she has the biggest, kindest heart and is always wanting to help other people. She says she wants to be a nurse or doctor when she’s older. She wants to do anything for anyone and doesn’t ever want anything in return. There was a boy at school who was playing on his own so she went up to him and asked if he wanted to play. She wants everyone to be happy – she is absolutely a little carer.”

Tribute is paid by Jodie Hearnshaw, manager of the Airedale Hospital & Community Charity.

She said: “I was delighted to meet Emilia and hear all about her fantastic fundraising for our hospital.

“She is an inspiration and full of energy; we were excited to let her know how the money she raised has helped. Emilia is a shining example of our younger generation who have so much potential to make a difference in the world.”