AN eight-year-old girl who was diagnosed with diabetes a year ago has raised more than £2,000.

Lottie Gracey from Stokenchurch ran and cycled with her dad and grandfather on Saturday from Henley to Marlow.

She finished in Higginson Park in Marlow, where lots of family and friends were waiting to cheer her over the line.

Lottie has raised £2,258 for Diabetes UK by completing the challenge.

She wrote on her Just Giving page: "When I was seven I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and I was quite scared that it was going to be a really awful thing, but actually it wasn't that bad.

"Even though I have to do my own injections four times a day I am not any different from any other person, and that is why people with diabetes should never feel left out.

"I really enjoyed my weekend away with Diabetes UK and have made lots of new friends with and without diabetes. If I fundraise for Diabetes UK the money I raise will support other children like me, to help make things easier for them."

At the finish line on Saturday Lottie held a balloon release with all her friends.

Diabetes UK weekend care events are for families who have a child with diabetes and offer emotional and practical information and so they can learn more about their diabetes and improve their care.

Lewis Honeywill, Diabetes UK south east regional fundraiser, said: "We are very grateful for Lottie’s fundraising efforts particularly from someone so young. Diabetes is one of the biggest health challenges facing the UK today and the money raised will help improve the care and support available for people affected by the condition.

"Diabetes UK the biggest charitable funder of diabetes research in the UK and the support we receive helps us to fund pioneering research into the cause of the condition and how to prevent it, improve care and treatment, and find a cure."

To sponsor Lottie go to www.justgiving.com/Nikki-Gracey1/