A REMARKABLE Tenbury schoolgirl has put her best foot forward to raise money for the town's hospital as a thank you for the care she received when being diagnosed with a heart murmur.

Nine-year-old Ellie Walker has raised £1,293 for the League of Friends of Tenbury Hospital after doing a four-mile sponsored walk.

Her proud mum Alison Short has thanked medical staff in Tenbury and was delighted that her daughter decided to help in this way.

"Ellie's heart mumour was picked up at Dr Foster's surgery in Teme Street. We did not know if she had a tiny hole in her heart and she was sent to Tenbury Hospital to be assessed," she said.

"If they had not been so vigilant we might not have picked up the problem and it's good to know the hospital is so close to hand."

Alison was surprised when her daughter announced her fund-raising intentions and was amazed at the amount of money she managed to collect.

"She got up one day and told me she wanted to do something to help the hospital," said Alison. "I thought she was joking but then she kept asking me if I had spoken to the right people so she could do it. Ellie thought she would raise about £50 but £1,293 later she is a bit gobsmacked."

Ellie, who attends Burford Primary School, said she was grateful to everyone who supported her efforts.

"I raised a lot more than I thought so I was very surprised. I would like to thank all my friends and teachers for their help," she said.

Margaret Morris, chairman of the league of friends, and a former matron who worked at the hospital for over 30 years, was also delighted with Ellie's effort.

"You hear so many bad things about youngsters but Ellie has made an individual effort to support our hospital," she said. "We really are very thrilled and we think we should have a special presentation."

Jill Grant, the headteacher at Burford Primary, said she was particularly impressed that Ellie had started the fundraising herself.

"I'm delighted it was her own idea and it's lovely that she has used her own initiative and carried it through so successfully."

Sponsorship forms were placed in The Pembroke, Market Tavern, the Nag's Head and the Shamraj Balti House and Ellie's family thank those businesses for their help.

Anyone wishing to make further donations should ring 01584 811606.