A SCHOOLGIRL ran 5km in memory of her much loved teacher at Delamere Forest on Sunday.

Yasmin Karkin raised more than £200 for Cancer Research UK by taking part in the Race for Life in memory of her Year Three teacher.

Now in Year Five at Wallerscote Academy, the nine-year-old Weaverham girl has never forgotten Maureen Curzon, who passed away unexpectedly after suffering from cancer.

Yasmin’s mum Dot said: “She was really upset about it and when the advertisement for Race for Life came on TV she said ‘can I do that Mum?’ “She’s never ever done a run in her life and she’s raised £208 with it, I’m just so proud of her.

“Before the race started we had a minute’s silence and she had a little cry, she’s never forgotten Mrs Curzon.

“She used to bring presents in for the children, she was such a lovely lovely teacher and all the kids loved her.

“When she died it was such a shock to everyone because no-one knew – she was in hospital and all the kids made a card and thought she was going to get better.”

Yasmin did not have the time to do any specific training for the run but as her commitments include being a member of Hartford Gymnastics and Northwich Swimming Club she was already well set up for the event.

Dot said: “It seems like there’s nothing she can’t do – she’s only nine and she’s done this off her own back.”

Dot, who ran with Yasmin on the day, was also full of praise for Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.

“The atmosphere and everything was absolutely fantastic,” she said.