AN EIGHT-year-old girl from Cross Hands has received recognition for her outstanding bravery following the death of her father.

Lacey-Maria Rees picked up an award at the Radio Carmarthenshire local hero awards last week.

The youngster, from Cross Hands, has spent the last six months fundraising for Mind, a cause close to her family’s heart, following the death of her father, Richard Williams, aged just 27, in February.

Lacey’s father battled with depression, and since his death, she has been encouraging people to speak out about their struggles and fundraising for the mental health charity.

So far she has raised almost £3,000, and has more ideas of how to raise money and awareness for Mind.

Lacey’s mother, Kelsey Rees said: “I have no words for what she has done. I am beyond proud.

“For an eight-year-old girl to go through what she has with a rough understand of what happened, and to then dedicate so much of her time to helping others who are going through what he dad went through is amazing.

“She has been doing a lot of charity events for Mind, who are a fantastic charity. We have plans in the works to organise a Christmas disco this year and a summer ball event next year, and would also like to put on a charity boxing night to raise some money.

“Lacey has raised £2,600 so far, but it is about raising awareness as well.

“She has been talking and helping people who MIND are supporting, and has helped other children that have gone through the same as she has as well.

“She has been great.”

To find out more about the work Mind does, visit mind.org.uk.