A TEN-YEAR-OLD girl is taking part in the world’s biggest coffee morning to raise cash for charity after sickness hit her family last year.

Grace Digby, of All Saints’ Primary School in Maldon, is hosting the event this Saturday to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The fundraiser comes after her nan almost lost her battle with cancer last year.

Mum Katy Hogger said: “Grace didn’t know much about cancer or how it works, like most children, but last year we came really close to losing my mum to it.

“Now she has quite a big understanding of the illness for someone her age.

“She wanted to do something for her nanny and came up with fundraising.

“It’s all off her own back – she asked to do it and she’s excited about the coffee morning.

“I think she got some inspiration for the idea from her other nanny, as they love baking together, and I think it’s a lovely way to raise money.

“A coffee morning seemed like a lovely charity event for her to do because she loves baking and my mum is helping her make some cakes to take on the day.

“Grace has sent invites out to everybody she knows and I just hope we get a good turn-out so nothing goes to waste.”

Nan Angela Richardson, 63, was in remission from cancer and was given the all-clear in April.

She received help from Macmillan nurses when she was ill and still regularly receives support as part of an ongoing treatment plan.

Katy added: “The whole family is extremely proud of her.

“For any child it’s hard when people are poorly, but when it’s close to home, they understand the situation a lot more.

“It was quite a sad time, but her nan is really touched by what Grace is doing.”

Grace is a volunteer on the Maldon Carnival committee.

Carnival chairman Rob Slight said: “She volunteers with the carnival and she’s helped for Children in Need and done collections and things like that, as well as helped out with other events.

“For a ten-year-old she’s very orientated.

“I’m proud of her I think she’s done really well.

“I was a bit surprised when she mentioned the idea, but I can understand why she want to do something to raise money.

“I hope a lot of people will come and support her on the day.

“I know her family will be coming and there should be a good turn-out.”

The coffee morning will be held at Maldon Methodist Church from 10am to noon and every penny raised will go towards the charity.