FURNESS residents will be coming together to take part in a sponsored charity walk for a brave five-year-old girl.

Youth Ability, a youth group based at Walney Community Centre, will be hosting a sponsored walk for little Emily Mather who has a rare form of brain cancer.

In January 2017, Emily was diagnosed with the rare condition known as Ependymoma which has led to numerous hospital admissions over the past two years

Since then, the family has set up a Just Giving page intended to raise £20,000 for any future treatment which may be required.

Les McLeese, team leader and centre manager of Youth Ability, said he felt honoured to be involved in such a heartfelt cause.

He said: “When I approached one of Emily’s family members about the idea of us helping, she was overwhelmed with gratitude.

“It means so much to the family to get involved and raise some money.”

Youth Ability typically fundraises for within the company.

However, Mr McLeese said when he read Emily’s story, he felt inspired to look outwards into the community.

He said: “We all felt it was for such a good cause and wanted to organise a family-fun day while all raising money.

“The family could really do with much needed support to help them through this horrendous situation and if we can take some of the financial burden away from them it would allow them to focus on little Emily and I am sure they would be forever grateful to whatever support you can give.

“Cancer is an awful illness and affects most families at some point but its particularly hard when its hits an innocent little girl.

“So over the next few months we will be doing lots of fundraising for the family and the wonderful cancer charities.”

The event will be a 2.33 mile walk starting at Walney community centre. Attendees can opt whether to wear fancy-dress or dig out a onesies.

To date 67 people have shown interest in taking part in the walk.

Mr McLeese said: “We’re hoping for a good turn-out.

“Because we’re essentially a charity, we’re very aware of the need for fundraising.

“Organisations rely on it and we should try and encourage young people to take part in the community.”

The walk will take place on Sunday March 10 at 12pm. If you would like to get involved, email Leslie.mcleese@leonardcheahire.org.