SOPHIE Daniels has been inspired by her 94-year-old grandma, Alma, to get active and raise vital funds for Age UK Cheshire East to help it support older people.

When Sophie’s beloved grandma and her family took the very difficult decision that Alma could no longer live independently due to her increasing needs, Sophie was moved to think of all those older people who weren’t so lucky to have people around them and don’t have the support when it’s needed most.

Sophie, from Wilmslow, said: “My grandma was so lucky to be able to live independently for so long, but it just made me feel so sad for those many older people who don’t have someone around them and who struggle to manage everyday tasks without help. So I decided I needed to do something.”

Sophie contacted Age UK Cheshire East to see if she could help support local older people.

Unfortunately, due to her busy work commitments, she was unable to allocate time to volunteering during the week, but instead suggested raising funds for the charity to help with its vital work with local older people.

In June Sophie ran the Wilmslow Half Marathon, completing the 13 miles in just over two hours, in the process raising £890 for the charity.

She met the charity’s chief executive, Damon Taylor, at the charity’s shop in Alderley Edge, where she handed over the cheque for the cash raised and received a certificate of appreciation.

Damon said: “Having the support of people like Sophie is so important for us as a local charity. We rely so heavily on local fundraising and income generation to ensure we can continue to support so many local older people, and Sophie’s fundraising will make a big contribution towards our efforts.”

Sophie was so inspired by her fundraising she plans to do it again next year, with another stab at the Half Marathon.

She said: “Now I know what to expect I’m going to give it another go, and hopefully raise some more cash for charity in the process.”

Age UK Cheshire East’s mission is to improve later life for people, and is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.