A YOUNG carer has got into the Christmas spirit this year by running 5km dressed as Santa – and she has helped to raise more than £1,000 for a Leigh-based charity.

Fifteen-year-old Grace Lynch took part in the Santa Dash across Liverpool city centre earlier this month with her mum Carol – dressed as Rudolph – and younger brother Reece, who was also Father Christmas for the day.

The teenager, who helps to care for her brother at home in Orrell, collected more than £1,000 for Wigan and Leigh Young Carers, on Charles Street.

Grace said: “It is a fantastic charity which supports families across the borough where children, like myself, have a caring role.”

Twelve-year-old Reece was born with complex health needs and spent much of his early childhood at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

He had a kidney transplant when he was three.

After undergoing dialysis and being on the transplant waiting list for 18 months, mum Carol was found to be a match.

Carol said: “Reece spent most of his first year in hospital and when he finally came home Grace would help me to look after him.

“She was only three when he was born but she would help with Reece’s dialysis equipment, bring his medication and sick bowls and support him when he was having epileptic seizures.

“Grace is a superstar and we would be lost without her.”

Carol added: “Wigan and Leigh Young Carers is an amazing charity which provides the respite care and support that young carers need.

“Grace’s life has been very different to other children’s and the charity has always been there for her.”