PRIMARY schoolchildren have helped a six-year-old girl thank the people who saved her life by raising £566 for a children’s cancer unit with a special race.

Lacey Simpson-Fishburn was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic lymphoma in August 2012 and underwent two years of extensive treatment at the Great North Children’s Hospital in Newcastle.

Lacey finished her treatment a year ago although she has to undergo regular check-ups. But her family realised a large part of the success of the unit was down to money raised through the Children’s Cancer Fund.

Lacey and sister Talitha were so keen to support them they asked fellow schoolchildren at Great Smeaton Primary School, near Northallerton, to get involved in a special fun run for sports day, and the whole school joined in.

Mum Sue Simpson said the unit was the only one between Leeds and Edinburgh treating children from all over the North and money raised through the fund also helped to provide a holiday caravan on the coast which can be used by families.

“Until you are in this position you can’t appreciate how much a family holiday means,” she said.

“Talitha was very keen to raise funds for the CCF to ensure that the charity continues to support children with cancer, their families and the unit as well as keeping the caravan going.”