A schoolgirl from Cheadle Hulme has joined forces with her classmates to raise more than £4000 to thank the hospital where her mum is being treated for breast cancer.

Kathleen Miller, aged 11, was determined to do some fundraising to support her mum, who is currently being treated at The Christie for secondary breast cancer.

Kathleen, a pupil a St James’ Catholic High School, decided to rally together all her form mates and has organised a mammoth sponsored run, running the equivalent of the six miles from their school in Cheadle Hulme to The Christie in Withington. The form of 27 pupils will be completing the first five miles of the run in their own time over the course of a week. They will join forces for the final leg, completing the last mile as a form together on Wednesday December 16th in the grounds of the school.

Kathleen’s mum Judith, age 55, was diagnosed with terminal metastatic breast cancer earlier this year and is currently being treated with chemotherapy at The Christie. Judith said: “My cancer is now sadly advanced and the aim of the chemotherapy is to keep it under control for as long as possible. The Christie is providing incredible clinical and pastoral support to our family in trying to control the progression of this disease and gift us more time together as a family.”

Kathleen is the youngest of Judith and husband Martin’s five daughters, who range in age from 11 to 23 years. Over the years, the family has organised numerous events to raise money for The Christie including cake sales and sponsored runs.

 Judith said: “Kathleen really wanted to do something to try and help build something positive out of our situation. So, with the support of her school, she has organised this event where she and all her classmates will run the equivalent distance of the six miles between St James’ and The Christie.

“We’re so proud of Kathleen and, in particular, that she has done this off her own initiative. We are very grateful to everyone involved at the school who have helped to make this happen and raise such a large amount of money for The Christie who are helping our family through this difficult time. We are amazed how generous people have been to Kathleen – friends and family have really rallied to provide such phenomenal support and we’re incredibly touched.”

 So far, the online total stands at more than £4000 and Kathleen has been overwhelmed with the success.

Kathleen said: “Well, I wanted to do something to support The Christie and help other families like mine. I am so grateful for all the support I have received from all the people who have given something. I never expected this to happen, as my teacher said that it might not work. I also didn’t think this amount of money from family, friends and others would come in. I can’t thank them enough!”

Mr Cawley, Head of Year 7 at St James’ Catholic High School said: “Kathleen is an outstanding student so I am not surprised by her ability to show qualities and skills beyond her years . She has shown superb leadership qualities and her fellow Year 7s have displayed great compassion and enthusiasm for the cause. Their form tutor, Mr Hall, will also be running the final mile with them. Both he and I are so proud of the efforts of Kathleen and her form.”

Kathleen can be sponsored by visiting her Just Giving page here

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