A heartbroken ten-year-old is taking part in a charity swimathon to raise money in memory of her “lovely” grandma.

Hannah Abbasi is tackling the challenge in tribute to Sonia Stainburn – known to the youngster as nanny – who lost her battle with terminal cancer earlier this month.

A talented swimmer, Hannah wants to raise £1,000 for Marie Carie Cancer Care to say thank you for the help nurses gave to her grandmother.

Her dad Seb Abbasi said: “Hannah took it upon herself to do this after her nanny had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. I am delighted. For a ten-year-old to have such aspirations and to understand the sensitivities and the work that Marie Curie undertakes is amazing. At ten, we could not ask for anything else – she is a cute kid.”

Hannah, of Tyersal Avenue, Tyersal, Bradford, said: “I decided to participate because Marie Curie works hard to support people who have been affected by this terrible condition.

“I also love my nanny, who was diagnosed with stomach cancer last year. Unfortunately, after months of struggle, my nanny lost her battle with cancer whilst in care at our Marie Curie Hospice in Bradford.

““I will always remember my nanny for the strong and lovely woman that she was.”

Mrs Stainburn, 65, was diagnosed last October and given between 18 and 24 months to live.

But, Mr Abbasi said: “Her situation deteriorated very quickly “The last time we spent any time with her was when she had Christmas dinner with us.

“She was hospitalised after that. She didn’t take to the chemotherapy treatment and it had to be discontinued.”

Mrs Stainburn was transferred to the Marie Curie Cancer Care Centre in Bradford on January 18 this year. She died on February 1 and her funeral was ten days later.

Hannah, a pupil at Greenside Primary School in Pudsey, is doing the swimathon in Leeds at the end of April. She will be cheered on by her dad, mum Joanne, sister Jordan, 17, brothers Dominic, 20, and four-month-old Reilly.