Newton Aycliffe family set off on rat run to Benidorm

The Newton Aycliffe family began their rat run journey on Monday (September 7) travelling to Benidorm and back to keep Millie Rose Hedley's memory alive.

Millie died days before Christmas last year after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a rare, fast-growing blood cancer.

She had suffered symptoms including bone pain and extreme tiredness for around a year before her death.

From left, William, Makayla and Kimberley Hedley with PICU staff, Lisa Brown, Ellie Henry and Zoe Sutton and the Rat Run car (Image: STUART BOULTON)

The journey is being used to raise money for The Great North Children's Hospital, where Millie died, while also helping her family take the first steps towards establishing The Millie Rose Foundation.

Before setting off, the family have been covering their rally car with names, messages, memories and words of love for Millie. For £1, supporters added their names or messages to the car, which will take the family to Spain and back.

Supporters could also add larger messages and pictures for a donation.

'Inseparable' siblings Millie, nine, and Makayla, 11 (Image: FAMILY)

Millie's mum Kimberley, 30, previously spoke of her heartbreak on what should have been her daughter's tenth birthday.

She said: "You should have been turning ten, my beautiful girl, and my heart is breaking knowing you never got the chance.

"I miss you more than words could ever say, and I would give anything for one more cuddle, one more kiss and one more ‘Mammy’."

Millie's family remembered her as a much-loved schoolgirl who filled "every room with joy and energy".

Kimberley with Millie Rose and Makayla (Image: FAMILY)

The family are also collecting bunny teddies to donate to children at The Great North Children's Hospital when they return from Benidorm.

Millie's favourite teddy, Buddy, was a bunny who went everywhere with her.

Kimberley said: "I cannot bring my little girl back. But I can make sure her name, her love and her legacy continue.

"For my Millie. For Buddy. For bereaved families. For the children. And for The Great North Children’s Hospital."

Millie Rose wanted to be a 'singing, princess archaeologist' when she grew up (Image: FAMILY)

Millie's grandad Bill is also taking part in the fundraising effort.

He said: "I miss my beautiful granddaughter every single day, and doing this is my way of keeping Millie’s memory alive and making sure her name, her smile and the love she brought into our lives will never be forgotten"

The Millie Rose Foundation will support bereaved families through workshops and activities for children and adults, including arts and crafts, music, sport and performance.

The family also hopes to organise community events and days out where families can spend time together and make new memories.

The family had previously taken part in the rally with Millie, who loved it, and decided to repeat the journey in her memory while raising money for the hospital.

Before the trip, the family returned to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary to meet the paediatric intensive care team who cared for Millie.