A FAMILY is supporting local cancer nurses by taking part in individual fundraising challenges.

Dad Michael Lealman completed the Great North Run, mum Claire took part in a 10k walk, while daughter Hollie has organised a table top sale in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The Lealmans have raised funds for the charity for several years through their family business Balderson’s, of Thornton-le-Dale.

However, they decided to do something extra after Claire’s father, Bill, died of cancer last year.

“Marie Curie nurses had supported my father and the family so Michael decided to do the Great North Run and it went on from there,” Claire said. “I had my 40th birthday earlier this year and instead of presents I asked people to sponsor Michael.”

Michael raised £960 while Claire and Hollie raised £200 in the Marie Curie 10k walk at Castle Howard.

Nine-year-old Hollie, a pupil at Pickering Junior School, has since set up her own table top sale in Balderson’s, raising £170 so far.

“She started selling her own stuff – teddies, dolls and books – for just 10 to 50 pence and she has done really well and there is still more to go,” Claire said. “We suggested she kept half the money, but Hollie was adamant she wanted it all to go to Marie Curie.”

Shirley Pitt, of Pickering and Thornton-le-Dale Marie Curie fundraising group, said: “Michael, Claire and Hollie have done really well and deserve lots of praise for their fundraising efforts.”