A grandmother nicknamed Sporty Spice by family and friends because of her love of running is bringing some cheer to a youngster with leukaemia.

Margaret Waterhouse, 51, of Empsall Row, Brighouse, is taking part in a half marathon on Sunday, starting at Woolworths in Brighouse at 10am and is aiming to raise at least £500.

All the money will be for Nicola Horton, 11, of nearby Stanley Street, who is a pupil at Brighouse High School. Her family were devastated when she was diagnosed with leukaemia 12 months ago.

Mother of two grown-up sons, Margaret, who is a caretaker with Calderdale Social Services, said: "I was distraught when I found out last year Nicola had the illness. I have known her family for more than 20 years. I decided I wanted to do something to help because they have been through such a hard time.''

Nicola's parents, Julie and Phillip Horton, are overwhelmed by their friend's gesture. Julie said: "It's absolutely brilliant. It has come totally out of the blue. People have raised money for us in the past but we always donated it to hospitals and children's charities such as Candlelighters but Margaret insisted she wanted her money to go to Nicola.''

She said her daughter, who is a big fan of the Spice Girls and attended their recent concert in Sheffield, had not yet decided how to spend the money.

Doctors have told Nicola's parents she has a 75 per cent chance of making a full recovery in five years and in the meantime is undergoing chemotherapy.

Margaret, whose little toe on her right foot was amputated four years ago because of arthritis, is no stranger to running for good causes.

Eight years ago, she raised £300 to help neighbour Margaret May, of Lane Court, replace belongings lost in a fire at her home.

Since then Margaret has taken part in sponsored runs and walks in aid of the RSPCA, the Lifeboat Appeal, Overgate Hospice in Elland and the orthopaedic department at Royal Halifax Infirmary.

She said: "I just love running. It makes me feel good, keeps my joints and body in good shape and gets rid of anxiety.

"I go running every day after work and do about 15 miles a week. My family and friends have nicknamed me Sporty Spice.

"I even take my running kit with me when I go on holiday and I've recently started swimming regularly.''

Now Margaret is limbering up to take part in the London Marathon next year to raise money for heart research.

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