NINE-year-old Lucy Jones had a special mission to fulfil as she prepared for a showjumping extravaganza. She wanted to be as good as she could, make everyone proud of her and – most importantly – raise money for Acorns Children’s Hospice.

Her family has been involved with the hospice as Lucy’s 12-year-old sister Hannah was diagnosed with leukaemia when she was four. Sadly, the treatment she was given affected her heart muscles and, although she was able to live a near normal life, her heart condition has since worsened.

Acorns tries to make every day special for youngsters with life-limiting illnesses but relies heavily on public donations to keep going.

So Lucy, from Marden, decided to go showjumping – and went on to win the 2ft championships and the 2ft warm up, collecting £170 for the charity.

“I wore an Acorns t-shirt and the commentator mentioned my fundraising every time I went out. It was a brilliant day!” said Lucy.

Hannah, who helps out with the horses and was awarded the Marden Riding Club’s ‘most supportive non riding member’ for 2007-08, is full of praise for her younger sister’s efforts.

“I think Lucy is the best rider I know and at the show she rode against children older than her and adults,” said Hannah.