A GIRL set herself a month-long walking challenge in aid of a cancer trust after the charity’s founder gave an inspiring talk in her school.

When Sienna Brechin began her fundraising mission at the start of March she aimed to walk 11,000 steps every single day of the month.

But three days in she increased her target to 15,000 steps and is on track to reach her goal and raise hundreds of pounds in sponsorship for charity.

Sienna, who turns 11 today, decided to support the Solan Connor Fawcett Family Cancer Trust, which is based in Spennymoor, County Durham, after founder Mark Solan spoke to pupils at Tudhoe Colliery Primary School.

Mother Helene Brechin said: “We are all incredibly proud of Sienna and her dedication to this challenge.

“She is an extremely thoughtful, kind young lady who is inspiring others to get out there and make a difference.

“When Sienna came up with the idea of this challenge we couldn't help but support her, her positivity is infectious."

For Sienna and her busy family, who live on Burton Woods, in Spennymoor, it has not been easy to find time to do the walks but, at all times of the day and whatever the weather, they are determined to make it to March 31.

Mrs Brechin, who will cover the distance with Sienna, said: “She was so moved by what the Trust does to help local people affected by cancer she came up with this idea.

“Trying to fit it in around work, school and children’s activities is a challenge, we’ve been out at 6.30am and 9.30pm walking the streets to get in our steps and in rain and snow blizzards.

“She’s doing amazingly and will not give up.

"There are days when she has done many more than 15,000 steps and has been out with friends and family, neighbours and their dogs.

"She is getting lots of lovely support.”

Sienna said: "If I can help people by doing this it is worth it.

“It makes me happy to know I can help others, it's a good feeling.

“So many people are helping support and sponsor me, so I would like to say thank you to everyone."

Mr Solan said: “The awareness is equally as important as the fundraising and it's even more inspirational when children like Sienna go home and share their stories with parents after my school visit.

“It is incredible that they are left feeling inspired and determined to help raise funds, without which the charity would not exist.

“I think it is important that our children are educated and guided on how to deal with terminal illnesses like cancer, because sadly they are more common now and we must help them overcome the fear that is especially associated with the word cancer.”

Year one teacher Emma Hall, who arranged Mr Solan’s visit, said: “Initially, we were looking for an inspirational figure from the local community, so pupils could feel inspired by what is happening near them.

"This appears to have started a snowballing effect, with a number of children participating in fundraising efforts.”