AFTER her friends’ four-year-old daughter was diagnosed with cancer, Christie McLean wanted to do something to help.

Initially she planned to take part in the 10k Dursley Peaks Challenge on May 27, in aid of the Grand Appeal, which supports Bristol Children’s Hospital.

But when coronavirus struck, she knew that the race might be cancelled, so she and her partner, Olly Toms, decided to run it two months early, on their own.

“So many people had donated and sponsored me, I felt that regardless of the virus, I didn’t want to allow it to stop me earning the amount people had pledged,” she said.

Therefore, with Christie sporting a bright pink tutu, the pair took on the tough peaks course, which includes Cam Peak, Longdown, Uley Bury, Downham Hill, on Saturday.

“Everything is dominated by the virus at the moment and I just wanted to bring some pink and giggles to the place,” said Christie.

“The few people I did see had a giggle, the sky was blue and not a social gathering in sight.”

Christie’s friends were given the devastating news that their daughter has stage 3 cancer just after New Year.

“Children shouldn’t be sick, it’s just so unfair,” she said.

“She’s a four-year-old with her whole life ahead of her, except she’s very poorly.

“She has been in the hands of Bristol Children’s Hospital who continue to do their best for children and their families.

“So I wanted to take on the Dursley Peaks 10k, to push myself hard and raise money to go back to the charity that supports the hospital.”

So far Christie has raised £800 for the Grand Appeal.

To donate visit bit.ly/2xssEnG