A ten-year-old has completed a marathon over ten days to raise money for Brain Tumour Research after her uncle died from the disease.

Ava Oakes clocked up the 26 miles trail running in the woods near her home in Burghfield Common, Berkshire, running three or four miles a day. She finished her challenge the day before Liam North was laid to rest.

Her uncle Liam, who lived in Nailsworth, leaves behind a wife Heidi and children Isabelle,11, and Oliver, nine.

He was diagnosed with a grade three anaplastic astrocytoma brain tumour five years ago.

He had chemotherapy and radiotherapy but the treatment was stopped when it was revealed it was not working, and he passed away on May 29 at the age of 47.

Ava’s proud mum Claire said: “It was devastating for us all to hear that there was nothing more which could be done for Liam.

"We felt a sense of helplessness and wanted to do something positive. Ava was determined to do something and I am really proud of her.

"I think it’s a wonderful achievement particularly as previously she hadn’t run further than one mile.”

Ava initially set out to raise £1,000 but has more than doubled that. She is now well on the way to achieve £2,740 which represents the amount it costs to fund a day of research at one of the Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence, where scientists are focused on improving outcomes for patients and, ultimately, finding a cure.

Writing on her JustGiving page, Ava said: “My uncle Liam died as his brain tumour could not be treated or cured. Now I'm very sad for my cousins as they do not have a Dad any more.

"There is not enough money being spent on research into brain tumours. It was not fair that the doctors didn’t have any new medicines to give to my uncle to try and make him better, or even just to stop him from getting more poorly.”

Hugh Adams, spokesman for Brain Tumour Research, said: “We’re really touched by what Ava has done and by her concern for her young cousins and desire to help stop other families having to go through this."

To make a donation to Ava’s JustGiving page please go to bit.ly/3hVeA9j