A LITTLE girl with a big heart is helping to save lives in memory of a special friend.

April Bartley is helping her parents Laura Moore, 27, and partner Lee Bartley, 32, support two cancer charities.

The 20-month-old, from Rudheath, walked round the block every day for 20 days wearing fancy dress, pushing her dolly's pram covered in glow sticks.

With energy and enthusiasm, the toddler has raised funds and awareness for rare cancer charities.

April Bartley in fancy dress

April Bartley in fancy dress

The intrepid youngster also sold magic reindeer food and altogether has raised £600 for Sarcoma UK and £2,025 for The Christie.

April plans to mount another marathon in memory of Winsford dad Dean Millar, who was diagnosed with a rare soft tissue sarcoma just days before his 30th birthday in 2019.

Dean sadly died in September 2021.

Laura said: "Dean was a phenomenal friend to both Lee and I. Dean was Lee's best friend from being young children and shared a fantastic bond.

Dean Millar

Dean Millar who sadly died from a rare soft tissue sarcoma

"They shared interest in music and food and both enjoyed going to BonPan for a Chinese.

"Dean was a fantastic dad to his young boys Archie and Frankie."

Dean was diagnosed in 2019 and specialists confirmed his tumour was incurable a year later.

"We hope to raise more vital funds in memory of our beautiful, brave friend Dean," said Laura.

Dean Millar

Dean Millar was passionate about raising awarness for Sarcoma UK

"Dean was passionate about raising awareness for Sarcoma UK and he signed to have his tumour donated to medical research.

"We are incredibly proud of April and although only small she is incredibly mighty.

"We look forward to supporting her fundraising in the future."

Sarcoma UK helps fund research to find better treatments, ensures specialist sarcoma nurses can be there for every person who calls and emails their support line and raises awareness.

To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising.aprilwalksforsarcoma