Cancer sufferer Kade, who is the face of Sheffield Children's Hospital's fundraising appeal, officially started the Dronfield 10km race.

Woodlands Fitness Centre members and colleagues at their sister club in Dronfield took part in the run. The Woodlands has made the children's hospital their charity for 2008.

The hospital is trying to raise £250,000 to help fund vital medical research.

Kade has used the creche facility at Woodlands and her grandparents and guardians, Geoff and Janet are members at the club.

Matt Sanderson, club owner, said: "Kade spent six months in hospital until earlier this year and to see her fit and healthy enough to be the official race starter was amazing! You would never have believed that the little girl on the front of our t-shirts was the same girl shouting encouragement to all the runners on Sunday.

"I am thrilled that so many Woodlands members joined in the 10k and bought t-shirts to help raise vital funds for such a great hospital."

Runners are now preparing to take part in further fundraising events including a 10k race in Graves Park, Sheffield and the Helen's Trust 10k in Chatsworth on May 18.