A YOUNG girl has raised £1,040 for a wildlife charity by taking part in the Mini Great North Run.

Raising money for Born Free, six-year-old Thea Caine, from Burnopfield, ran the 1.5km route along the Quayside in Newcastle, with her dad, Paul who dressed in a full lion costume.

Thea’s mum, Cheryl, said: “Thea has always been passionate about wildlife and has adopted animals to support Born Free from a young age.

“When I suggested doing more and setting ourselves challenges to raise money for them she loved the idea.

“Paul and I are so proud of her kindness and determination.”

Thea, who attends Burnopfield Primary School, has already raised over £850 by hosting a range of fundraising activities.

In July, she participated in a range of cat-themed activities as part of Born Free’s ‘Big Cat Nap’, alongside her pet cat Charlie.

During the week, she took part in a mini-triathlon, a game of tiger tennis at her club in Blaydon, made lion wall art, held a big cat party, hosted sci-fi cosplay, did big cat themed baking, and completed her own Big Cat Nap, which saw her stay in bed for 17 hours.

She said: “I love big cats, tigers are my favourite. I want to help Born Free to help them.”