World Cancer Day - let's celebrate Hannah who's raised more than £20,000 for cancer charity

Hannah Burton from Hunstanton has been fundraising since she was eight years old, pictured here with handmade silk roses

It's impressive, at 18 years old Hannah's raised more than 23 thousand pounds for Children with Cancer UK.  Her efforts inspired by a desire to help others and support families, including her own, affected by the disease.  

"It's good to help other people," she tells me.  Which she's been doing since she was 8 years old - everything from selling handmade paper and silk roses, to dog walks and raffles.

And she's just handed the latest amount raised, over 3 thousand pounds, to John Barnes from Children with Cancer UK.  John says, "This is the first time I've met Hannah, I think it's incredible, she's probably among our youngest fundraisers. She is really exceptional."

Hannah with John Barnes from Children with Cancer UK (left) and Cllr Mark Williamson Deputy Chair of Hunstanton Town Council

Her grandmother Monica says, "It's brilliant.  I am incredibly proud.  We've been doing the fundraising since she was little, it was just something that we did."  Her mum Sally adds, "Very proud, she's got cousins that have Neuroblastoma and Leukaemia, and she really wanted to give back."

Hannah was in Penny Tong's Sunday school class from when she was 2, Penny says, "She is an absolutely amazing young lady, there aren't enough words to explain how wonderful and beautiful she is, everyone you speak to says Hannah is amazing.  She just is." 

Hannah with Penny

On World Cancer Day (Feb 4th) we thought it was fitting to pay tribute to Hannah, who's determined to continue her efforts to raise money.

Her advice to other young fundraisers is, "Just do it, it's a good cause, go for it."

All images Ian Burt