After weeks of campaigning a nine-year-old girl came home skipping with joy yesterday after her school told her she had raised just shy of £2,000.

Ava-Grace Britton, nine, was collecting money for the ward in Orpington Hospital where her dad spent three months recovering from a stroke.

Paul Britton, 47, had a stroke in November last year after developing sepsis from a thumb infection.

Little Ava-Grace was determined to give back to the Ontario Ward and so organised a danceathon at Hawes Down Primary School in West Wickham with all her dad’s favourite tunes.

READ: Little girl is helping the hospital ward where her dad was treated after stroke

Pupils wore purple for stroke awareness month in May and Ava-Grace led the routine for Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – her dad’s most loved song.

The school told her on Wednesday, July 3, that she had inspired £1,989 in donations.

"It’s not bad for a nine-year-old," her mum, Karen, laughed to News Shopper.

"I was shocked, and it was lovely news to hear. The ward is really pleased too. We are overwhelmed and pleased people supported us."

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Paul is still recovering and is undergoing physio to get back to full health.

The money raised will pay for a new PC in the ward, something that could make a difference to visitors and patients.

Ava-Grace will be cutting a ribbon and presenting a big cheque to the ward next week.