Hitchin girl, 8, raises £1,200 for cancer charity in memory of grandfather

Lyla Thomson-Wells put on a disco – attended by more than 80 of her friends – at Blueharts Hockey Club in Lucas Lane last Friday, raising money for the charity after losing her grandfather to the disease and seeing her mum, Debbie, recover from breast cancer.

“I made my new year’s resolution because we lost my grandpa to cancer and mummy was diagnosed with cancer last year,” explained the Whitehill Junior School pupil.

“She is all better now and I wanted to help Cancer Research find a cure.

“I really enjoyed organising the disco and seeing all of my friends having a great time. It made me want to do more things to help people.”

Her stepfather, Adam, added: “Lyla organised the whole disco herself, by sending emails and having a meeting with her favourite DJ – Mike at Disco Factory.

“Mike was extremely supportive and put on a fantastic show for the kids and also helped with the fundraising ideas and activities.

“It was a fantastic evening for children and parents alike and was capped off with Lyla standing up and announcing the grand total raised.”

Lyla’s new year’s resolution was to help people in need, and she started by providing food for foodbanks.

“We are very proud of Lyla,” said Adam.

“She is such a selfless little girl. She has always wanted to make people happy and really strives to help people as much as she can. We weren’t surprised at all when she made her new year’s resolution.

“That’s the kind of girl she is, but she has worked so hard to make it this successful.”

On the back of the fundraising success of her disco, Lyla is already planning her next charity event.

“Lyla is running in the Race for Life in July which is also for Cancer Research UK,” said Adam.

“She is also thinking of having a bake sale later in the year and is currently trying to plan a sponsored event in the summer.

“She is thinking of a dance marathon, a talent show, or maybe a dog walk.”