A TEN-year old girl held her own 48-hour silence this week in memory of much-loved neighbour Jane Eccles, who died in February of secondary breast cancer.

Jane was supported by Breast Cancer Care and helped raise awareness of the disease.

So moved were Ruby Aulman and mum Catherine (Kate) by the loss of their friend that they have determined to continue her work.

Kate said: “Jane was a very special and loved member of our community. She was a simply wonderful artist, the beautiful image for our fundraising page was drawn by her.

“I really miss Jane and I want to help other people going through the same situation as her. I don’t want anyone else feeling the way I do because it’s a really sad feeling.”

Daughter Ruby, who is in Year 5 at Anstey Junior School, was set on playing her part by raising money to support others suffering from the same disease. She took on the challenge of a 48-hour sponsored silence, which has already raised more than £565 – far beyond her £285 target.

At the same time she has been attending school and one session of the 8th Alton Cub pack, where she is a member.

In agreeing that it was “an amazing thing” for a young girl to want to do, Anstey Junior School headteacher Jenny Jones said: “Having read Ruby’s heartfelt message on her Just Giving page, the school was keen to support Ruby in her endeavours to raise money in memory of her neighbour, who died from cancer.

“Ruby managed to find alternative methods to communicate during the school days, showing great determination.”

As Ruby came to the end of her sponsored silence on Tuesday evening, and in thanking all those who have supported her daughter, Kate said: “Ruby is doing so well. No slip-ups so far. She has raised £565 so far, so nearly double her £285 target. I am sure she will have more than doubled it by the time she has finished. She can speak again when she wakes up tomorrow (Wednesday).

“Needless to say, we are very proud of her!”

Commenting via computer, Ruby typed of her experience: “I’m feeling a real sense of achievement, and hope that people will recognise that what I’ve done is for Jane.”

To sponsor Ruby, visit the website justgiving.com/fundraising/ruby-aulman.