From selling her toys to counting marshmallows, eight-year-old Phoebe Conway has found plenty of ways to help a cause close to her heart.

After her grandmother Clare, 59, was diagnosed with breast cancer, Phoebe decided she wanted to raise money – and has already more than doubled her original £500 target.

Phoebe, from Yateley, has raised £1,344 and is now aiming for £1,600, with a raffle planned for November 1.

Her efforts began with a competition to guess how many marshmallows were in a jar, followed by selling her toys and organising a World Cup sweepstake.

For Clare, who was diagnosed in November 2024, her granddaughter’s determination has been a source of joy during a difficult time.

“Phoebe is such a character. She actually turned around to her mum and said, ‘I want to start raising money’, and that's how it all came about,” she said.

“I couldn't even put into words how proud I am. She's really pushed herself. She's such a positive little girl, as is her sister – you can't be sad around them.”

Clare sought medical advice after noticing a tugging sensation in her chest, despite having regular mammograms.

“Straight away, alarm bells were ringing, and I was fast-tracked,” she said.

During a scan, she recalled being warned to prepare for bad news before receiving her diagnosis.

“I had to have chemotherapy, and they threw in radiotherapy as well, and I'm on lots of preventative medications now, because sometimes it can come back in another part of the body,” she said.

The illness and treatment turned Clare’s life upside down, leaving her able to work only a couple of hours a day.

The family decided to be open with Phoebe about what her grandmother was going through.

“We all agreed that Phoebe should know from an early age, because I lost my hair, I lost my breasts, I lost everything. So, we didn't want to keep it from her,” Clare said.

Alongside raising money, the family hopes Phoebe’s efforts will encourage more people to learn about lobular breast cancer.

“We want to spread awareness as far and wide,” Clare said. “It wasn't just about the raffle, it was about education.”

To support Phoebe’s fundraising or find out about the raffle, visit justgiving.com/page/phoebe-conway