Lillie, 7, to do Christmas run for Mary House pool

Instead of tucking into warm mince pies, seven-year-old Lillie Brett will be bracing herself for a two-mile run for charity - dressed as one of Santa's reindeer.

She is aiming to raise money for a hydrotherapy pool for the residents of Mary House, a home for profoundly disabled young people.

Her efforts were inspired by 21-year-old Michael, a resident of the home she met during the school holidays.

Lillie said: "I really want to help people like Michael to have a better life.

"It would be great if we can get enough money to build a special swimming pool, so that he can move about more and have some fun in the water."

The Martha Trust, which run the home on The Ridge, has planned to build the pool so youngsters like Michael can improve their mobility and fitness levels, while enjoying a feeling of freedom and relaxation.

Michael's parents explained he really loves being in water - especially if he can get everyone else wet too!

They added that he will really benefit from the regular hydrotherapy sessions that will be available once the pool is built.

The race Lillie is taking part in will be held at Ashburnham Place in Battle on December 23 and is being sponsored by the Sammons Group and Breckland Mobility Centre.

Entries are already flooding in for the two-mile fun-run, plus a one-mile 'Children's Scurry'.

For the more adventurous there is a challenging five-mile race, which is being held under UK Athletic Rules.

In keeping with the Christmas theme, all runners will receive festive rewards, including Christmas puddings, a mince pies and glasses of mulled wine.

Anyone who fancies entering can do so at www.runnersworld.co.uk.

Alternatively, Lilllie can be sponsored by logging on to www.justgiving.com/lilliebrett or by sending a cheque, made payable to Martha Trust, to Mary House, 490 the Ridge, Hastings, TN34 2RY.