A HEREFORDSHIRE schoolgirl has paid tribute to her grandma who died from cancer by raising hundreds for charity.

Esmeralda Clarke, aged 9Esmeralda Clarke, aged 9 (Image: ROB DAVIES) Esmeralda Clarke, 9, decided to fundraise for both Macmillan and St Michael's Hospice after seeing the care and support her grandma received.

Her grandma, Diane Sayce, was 67 when she died in 2021.

Diane Sayce with her grandchildrenDiane Sayce with her grandchildren (Image: Jo Sayce) Esmeralda, who lives in St Weonard's, recently hosted a Macmillan coffee morning in Much Birch and raised £703 thanks to the generosity of local people and businesses.

Her mother, Jo Sayce, said: "Unfortunately Esme's grandma passed away in 2021 after a very brave battle with cancer.

"Esme asked if she could host a coffee morning. She designed a poster and wrote letters asking people to bake cakes. 

"The coffee morning was at Much Birch Community Hall on Saturday, September 28. The event was a huge success and has raised a staggering £703. Esme is over the moon and keen to do it again. 

"We had a couple of prizes donated on the day from some local businesses. Vouchers were donated by Shire Plastering and Building, General Dogsbody and the Oxford Arms.

"Esme has done a little fundraising in the past, previously raising £805 in total for St Michael's Hospice."

Esmeralda held her coffee morning in Much BirchEsmeralda held her coffee morning in Much Birch (Image: ROB DAVIES) Esmeralda was also assisted on the day of the coffee morning by her little brother Teddy.

£608 out of Esmeralda's final total came from cash donations, while online donors left their words of support for her fundraising efforts on the Macmillan page.

Esmeralda and TeddyEsmeralda and Teddy (Image: ROB DAVIES) ALSO READ:

Macmillan coffee mornings are held around the UK to raise money to support people living with cancer.

Anyone who wishes to host a coffee morning can register with Macmillan to receive a free fundraising kid in the post with bunting, balloons and a tablecloth, as well as recipes, a collection box, event posters and a game.

Macmillan Cancer Support provides services, money and research for cancer care, working with people living with cancer as well as healthcare professionals and employers.

Last year, the charity supported 2.3 million living with cancer and raised £226.8 million.