An eight-year-old girl is showing she has a head for business as she pledges to raise much-needed funds for a children's charity.
Anja Short has begun organising a family fun day in aid of The Sick Children's Trust, this year's official charity of the Entrepreneurs' Forum, of which her mum Nicola is executive director.
Anja had asked to visit Crawford House, a facility in Newcastle run by the charity, after hearing how it provides a ‘Home from Home' for families facing the trauma of having a seriously ill child.
Mother and daughter were shown around Crawford House and the specialist children's ward of the Royal Victoria Infirmary next door.
Families can stay at the house for as long as they need to while their poorly children are being treated at the RVI or the nearby Great North Children's Hospital.
Anja launched her fundraising with an immediate donation of £10, enough to fund a family room at Crawford House for one night.
"Anja has always wanted to fund-raise for a children's hospital so it was perfect that the Forum had chosen the trust for its charity appeal this year," said Nicola.
Anja, of Tynemouth, added: "My friends at King's School in Tynemouth and I are now planning the fun day with a bouncy castle, a three-legged race, egg and spoon competition, sack race, piggy back contest and a picnic and barbecue.
"The children's ward was amazing especially the room with the 3D screen and the staff were really nice, which I'm sure is very important when you are not feeling very well."
The Sick Children's Trust campaign and appeals manager in the North East Caroline O'Doherty said: "Having the support of the Entrepreneurs' Forum is fantastic but having Anja's backing means an incredible amount to us because our charity is all about helping young people through very difficult times.
"It has been great meeting Anja and we are really looking forward to hearing what she and her friends get up to as they raise money for the Sick Children's Trust."
The Forum has raised more than £5,000 for the charity so far and is eager for members to get involved in realising more as they strive to achieve their target figure of £50,000.
Over the years the Forum has raised more than £450,000 for numerous good causes in the region.