TWO pub landlords have vowed to help sisters Lauren and Elisha Draper after reading about their £50,000 fundraising mission in the Daily Echo.

Rachel Booth and Gary Gawn, who run the Obelisk pub in Woolston, Southampton, were so touched by the sisters' commitment to raise money in memory of their mum that they have pledged to help them.

The couple are asking punters to sponsor the girls in this year's Race for Life and will be displaying their sponsorship form prominently on the bar.

Since Lauren, 11, and Elisha, 8, lost their mum Sue to breast cancer in 2002, they and dad Keith have been tirelessly fundraising for Cancer Research UK, generating an incredible £40,000.

"I was moved to do something when I saw Elisha and Lauren in the Echo," said Rachel.

"I too lost my mum to breast cancer and I feel touched that these girls who lost their mum at such a young age are doing Race for Life."

Dad Keith said: "We're so grateful to everyone who has sponsored the girls and would like to say thank you to all the people at the Obelisk for their support.

"It really means a lot to the girls and every penny counts."

On July 13, Keith will be cheering on his daughters as they tackle the 5k Race for Life course around Southampton Common.

Race veteran Lauren intends to jog the course while Elisha - taking part for the first time - will be walking with family friend Diane Jones, who has been a big part of the Drapers' fundraising efforts.

  • If you are a local business and would like to sponsor the sisters, call Paula Thompson on (023) 8042 4484 or e-mail paula.thompson@dailyecho.co.uk