A schoolgirl who organised a charity fundraiser in memory of her dad has been nominated for the Croydon Champions Child of Courage Award.

Lily Hewitt lost her dad Peter Cochrane, to cancer in June.The 69-year-old lorry driver had suffered from Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos.

On August 11, just two months after his death, the 12-year-old invited family and friends to a fundraiser held in her back garden in memory of her dad.

She raised almost £400 for Cancer Research.

Lily, who lives in Mitcham, has been nominated for the award by Mikaela Kelly, her dance teacher from Bright Sparks Dance Academy in Fairfield Halls.

Ms Kelly said: "She has been so brave in how she has coped with her dad's death. I wouldn't expect a child would cope so well, she has been fantastic.

"When she sent a text saying she was going a fun day in the back garden for her dad and can I come along, I couldn't believe it.

"She had an ice bucket with beers, coke and water she was selling, there was a barbecue, cake stall, tombola, all set up by her- it is just amazing. She has been so strong and really brave."

Lily's mum Emma Hewitt, also praised the schoolgirl and said she is already organising her next charity event in aid of St Raphael's Hospice in Sutton, that looked after her dad.

She said: "She has been amazing really, she knew her dad was ill and even decided to go and see him on the day he died. She raised the money on her own, she contacted Cancer Research herself and organised it all herself.

"I am very proud of her and it is lovely of Mikaela to nominate her for the award."

Speaking about the nomination Lily said: "I think it is really nice. It is a surprise, I didn't think someone would do that for me.

"I held the fundraiser because I didn't want lots of people to suffer like my dad did and I want them to know they aren't alone and there are people out there thinking of them."