A NINE-YEAR-OLD who spent the first two years of her life in hospital has won an award for her fundraising efforts.

Harriette Parker-Harrison, of Ferryhill, who has severe specialist healthcare needs, has been named Fundraiser of the Year by national charity Support Dogs.

The youngster was born prematurely and spent the first two years of her life in intensive care.

However, despite being unable to walk or talk, she raised more than £500 for the assistance dog charity after taking part in the Junior Great North Run earlier this year, beating her fundraising target by more than £50.

She was pushed round the Junior Great North Run course in her wheelchair by her dad Allan and step-sister Amy, a dog trainer at the Sheffield-based charity.

Harriette has successfully completed the Darlington Junior 3k, the Darlington 10K and other fun runs, and does park run most weeks.

“Harriette loves the sensation of running, and hearing people cheering, and always has a great time whizzing round,” Amy said.

“She has and will always have a huge amount of help and support throughout her life, so wanted to help other disabled people to enjoy the outdoors and an active life as much as she does by raising money for Support Dogs.”

Support Dogs, based in Sheffield, provides trains assistance dogs for children with autism, and adults with epilepsy and physical disability, enabling them to lead more independent and fulfilled lives.

Further fundraising runs are planned for the brave youngster who also enjoys roller-skating, horse-riding and swimming.

Support Dogs’ fundraising manager Danny Anderson said: “Harriette is an inspiring child who has shown incredible determination to help other people have a better life.”