YOUNGSTERS across the borough are being encouraged to go hopping mad to help fight cancer.

Blood cancer charity, Lymphoma Action, is urging children to "leap for lymphoma" at their homes to raise money tackle the devastating disease.

The fun campaign was sparked by Sue Hartley, a yoga and mindfulness trainer from Bury, who tragically lost her husband to lymphoma last year.

She said: “I really wanted to help others who are going through a similar situation. “I also think it is really important to raise awareness of the condition amongst young people.

"By taking part in an activity like this, children now have an awareness of blood cancer that they will take with them as they grow into young adults.”

Prior to the coronavirus outbreak, Ms Hartley had been encouraging primary schools and nurseries in Greater Manchester to take part in the appeal.

Her work has so far raised more than £700 for the charity.

Lymphoma Action was then so impressed by the idea that they decided to roll it out across the country.

To get involved children are asked to jump 'bunny hops' 27 times to signify that someone is diagnosed with lymphoma every 27 minutes.

They are also invited to make their own bunny ears and collect donations online for Lymphoma Action.

Sarah Thorn, community and partnerships manager at Lymphoma Action, said: “Leap for lymphoma is such a fantastic idea. It’s a fun and easy activity for young children to take part in, and encourages them to get creative and stay active whilst they are at home.

"Not only does it help raise funds for us to continue our work, but it also increases awareness around lymphoma and the work we do as a charity to support those affected by the condition.

"We are so grateful to Sue for her efforts and support of our work in making sure that no one has to face lymphoma alone.”

For more information or to get involved with the campaign visit lymphoma-action.org.uk/leap-lymphoma.