Youngster gears up to boost her fundraising plight in dad's memory

Nine-year-old Harriet Williams from Horsforth, who has raised Â£3,500 so far in memory of her dad Hylton

Harriet Williams has been inspired by her dad Hylton, who died from lymphoma four years ago.

Earlier this year, the generous youngster set herself the target of raising around £2,700 in a year.

But she smashed that total by collecting £3,500 in just a month and now is carrying on collecting to help patients on Ward 88 at the Bexley Wing at St James’s Hospital.

Nine-year-old Harriet Williams pictured with her mum Heather.

Her mum Heather, from Horsforth, Leeds, said: “I’m so proud of her, she’s been amazing.

“We just wanted to make people smile and give something back to a lovely ward.”

Harriet’s dad Hylton died in February 2012, 18 months after being diagnosed with lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.

The youngster’s first fundraising efforts were playing the piano at the Bexley Wing for the Yorkshire Cancer Centre Appeal, as she started having lessons after seeing the piano in the atrium of the wing when her dad was undergoing treatment.

Then last Christmas she saw that Ward 88 was trying to raise cash to pay for internet and television for patients.

Harriet decided to aim to cover the cost next Christmas - but her efforts, including a bakeathon, were incredibly successful.

“She did that in a month and more, so she’d reached the target by the end of February,” her mum said.

Patients on the ward are now enjoying 20 days of free TV and internet access, which was provided at a discount by the firm involved.

Harriet, her mum and two friends are set to gear up for their next challenge.

They are aiming cycle the length of the Leeds Liverpool Canal in September to raise even more cash.

“She’s done really well as she’d never done any fundraising before,” Heather added.