A young Sussex fundraiser who has overcome her disability to raise more than £100,000 for charity has won a prestigious award.

Lauren Gander, 12, has spina bifida but has not let it stop her getting on with her life and dedicating time and energy to help others.

She has now won the best young fundraiser category in the annual awards of website JustGiving.

The awards recognise successful campaigns by the individuals and charities.

Lauren, who goes to Bexhill High School, joined other winners at a special ceremony at Shoreditch town hall in London.

The nomination for Lauren said: “Over the past four years, Lauren has raised a phenomenal £100,000 for numerous charities including children’s charities The Tree of Hope, Dreamflight, Sasbah and The Children’s Trust.

“Despite the daily pain and discomfort Lauren experiences as a result of suffering from spina bifida, she has tirelessly undertaken many fundraising activities, including a glider flight over Sussex and climbing 288 steps to the top of Newport Transporter Bridge in Wales before launching herself from the top of a 200ft zip wire – a magnificent achievement.

“In January last year, she even slept outside in a cardboard box to promote homeless services.”