A teenager from south Norfolk has raised thousands of pounds for a charity which helped her cope with the loss of her mother and brother.

Lulu Roberts-Aikens was just 11 years old when her mother Wendy died from a brain hernia. Her brother, John, passed away last August aged 17.

After losing their mother, Lulu and John received counselling.

The 16-year-old, who lives in Tharston, near Long Stratton, with her father, Mark, step-mother Anna and step-sister, Harriet, said: 'In the summer I lost my brother, John, and I got in touch with Nelson's Journey. John and I were really close. They have helped quite a lot, they talk through things and they have lots of strategies to help you get through things.'

The charity, which supports bereaved children and their families, is based in Norwich.

Lulu said things had improved with the help of Nelson's Journey and their counsellors had been to visit her at home and at school.

The Year 11 student at Wymondham College has raised about £2,000 in less than a year for the organisation by holding a non-school uniform day and cake sales at school.

'I started fundraising last August,' she said. 'Outside school I have collected money from friends and family for the charity. So far I have got £1,400.

'I plan to continue to raise money outside school after my GCSEs, at the moment I am just doing it all through school.'

The Principal's Council are asking students to bring in any old mobile phones which can be recycled to raise money.

Anna Hoogkamer on the Principal's Council said: We're raising money for them in memory of John and because of the work Nelson's Journey do in supporting young people who have been bereaved. But mainly because we know how much they mean to people, like Lulu, who is going through such a hard time.'

*Are you fundraising for a cause close to your heart? Contact Lucy Wright on 01603 772439 or email lucy.wright@archant.co.uk