A BRAVE Clitheroe girl who wanted to raise £5,000 in memory of mum has smashed her target.

NIne-year-old Bethany Rose, whose mother Katy Rose died from breast cancer, has raised more than £9,200 as part of the Candle 4 Katy campaign she launched last month.

Now the Brookside Primary School pupil has set herself a new £10,000 for the charity Breast Cancer Care.

Her dad Andy, 50, who teaches French and German at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn, said: “It’s been quite incredible the level of support that we’ve had not only from local people but others around the country who have been touched by Beth’s story.

"And I’m really delighted to say that it looks like we’re going to raise in excess of £10,000 for Breast Cancer Care, double our original target – a tremendous effort all round."

On Sunday, more than 200 people completed a circular ‘pink-ribbon’ 5km sponsored walk in Waddington for the youngster's campaign.

Bethany said: “I didn’t really have any idea how many people would join us but it was amazing just how many came.

“We had great fun and apart from one little shower we didn’t get too wet. Lots of cars that passed us along the route were tooting their horns in support and many gave us a donation which was brilliant.”

Bethany and her dad, who live in Highmoor Park, Clitheroe, were devastated when Katy died in April last year after a five-year battle with breast cancer.

The 38-year-old former art teacher was first diagnosed with the disease in 2006.

But, after making a full recovery, the cancer returned in 2009.

She died just days before Mother's Day last year.

Andy added: "A massive thank you to everyone who has supported us and donated money to our cause.

"Beth and I are deeply touched by your generosity of spirit as well as your generous giving. We miss Katy badly but we hope that we are keeping her memory alive by this campaign and that she would be pleased with us."

The fund was boosted with donations from the Melt candle shop, Waddington, Ribble Tandoori restaurant, Clitheroe; a sporting dinner at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Blackburn and a sparkle charity ball in Norfolk.

Events planned in the future include an Elvis Night in Wingrave, Buckinghamshire, on April 16.