LEUKAEMIA patient Catherine Readshaw received a boost from Jeremy Guscott during the former rugby star's 800-mile charity hike.

Guscott is undertaking the Tetley's Trek, a walk around the country, in an effort to raise £250,000 for the Leukaemia Research Fund. He has been in the region all week.

On Saturday, he visited Ferryhill, County Durham, to bury a Millennium time capsule and meet eight-year-old Catherine, daughter of the Mayor of Ferryhill, Councillor Kath Conroy.

As well as the strain of coping with Catherine's illness, the family has been struggling to come to terms with the loss of her 13-year-old sister, Anne-Marie, who died suddenly in Spennymoor Leisure Centre last month.

Coun Conroy said the former England player's efforts were greatly appreciated.

"I can't put into words how much it means to us - it's fantastic," she said.

"It all helps, and for somebody as important as Jeremy to be doing this is just great for leukaemia research.

"After what has happened, Catherine needs something to give her a boost. She has just finished her intensive chemotherapy and she has come through that pretty well, but we have still got a long way to go."

Guscott, 36, said yesterday: "Every now and again it hits home, none more so than coming to Ferryhill and meeting Catherine.

"The suffering we are going through as walkers is nothing compared to Catherine's battle, so you know you are doing the right thing when you meet such a bright, bubbly girl - and that is the reason for doing the walk."

Guscott, who is touring all of the English Premiership rugby grounds, has raised nearly £100,000 so far.

Donations can be made by visiting the website at www.tetleystrek.co.uk or by phoning 020 7269 9001