NOT many 12-year-olds would give up half their school holiday to raise money for a worthy cause, but Jodie Willis and Katherine Wickers of Fawley have made that noble sacrifice.

The two Hardley School pupils gave up texting, TV and mum's cooking for three days of sponsored "hibernation".

They were virtually cut off from the world in a locked caravan parked on the drive of Jodie's home in Ashdown Road, Fawley.

They hope to have raised up to £150 for a charity trust launched in the name of a six-year-old neighbour born with severe disabilities. Reece Staines lives a few yards up the road with his grandparents Sue and David Staines.

After he was struck down with a strain of meningitis at four weeks old, it was discovered that Reece's brain was just one-third normal-size.

He needs a wide range of special equipment - including a wheelchair. His family launched The Reece Trust to ensure that he will always have the support he needs, and to help other brain-damaged children in the area.

Fresh out of "hibernation", Jodie said it had been "very hard" but worth it to have raised money for Reece.

"He's a lovely little boy - he plays with my brother Tom," she said.

"It was very boring to be hibernating all that time. We felt very sleepy and hungry and got through lots of crisps and chocolate."

Katherine said: "It was difficult doing nothing and being so cooped up. I am quite an active person

usually. But I'm not sorry we did it."

Jodie's mum Collette is proud of both girls. "They managed all by themselves - apart from one morning when I found the quilt pushed out of the caravan window and a note saying, 'sorry mum, spilt the orange juice'," she said.

"Jodie has done a fundraiser for Reece before, and she has promised to make it an annual challenge."

Reece's grandmother Sue Staines awarded both girls an achievement certificate on behalf of The Reece Trust. "I am really proud of you, going through the horror of three days with no TV!" she said.

"But it is important that children can share in the plight of other children. Keep up the good work."