AN eight-year-old girl who is in remission from leukaemia was the inspiration behind the last leg of a 20-year, one million press-up challenge.

Lauren Richmond, aged eight, of Taylor Street, Barnoldswick, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when she was four years old and underwent immediate intensive chemotherapy at St James's Hospital, Leeds.

She has been in remission for 15 months but her story touched the heart of Colne sportsman Tommy Gildert as he completed his own amazing challenge.

Mr Gildert, who works at Pendle Leisure Centre, Colne, has completed one million press-ups over more than 20 years, on many occasions raising money for charity.

After he did the final 100 press-ups in front of a home crowd at Turf Moor in February, he heard about Lauren's battle with leukaemia and decided to donate the latest sponsor money to Leukaemia Research.

He presented a £300 cheque to Lauren this week on behalf of the charity.

In her first year at school Lauren had an attendance rate of 38 per cent because she spent so much time in hospital and she lost her long hair during chemotherapy.

But after more than a year in remission, Lauren's hair has grown long and she is among the top pupils in her class, receiving an achievement award for her hard work in maths.

Her mum Louise said: "Tommy heard about Lauren through Roger Noone, the manager at Rolls-Royce gym in Barnoldswick. We met up with Tommy and he decided to donate the money.

"Lauren is doing really well and is hoping to take part in her own fundraising.

"We are both taking part in the 14-mile Pendle Bikeathon on August 31 from Rolls-Royce Sports and Social Club. Hopefully she will be able to do this one." Last year Lauren had to pull out because she had an accident on her bicycle shortly before the event.