A Horwich schoolgirl who has shrugged off illness to tackle strenuous fund-raising efforts for charity has been nominated for a Citizen of the Year Award.

With the help of her school pals, Jenny Crouch, who suffers from cystic fibrosis, has raised thousands of pounds over the years for the hospital where she receives treatment and for research into the disease.

Since primary school days Jenny, aged 15, and her pals Jennifer Sutton and Gemma Wilson, have organised sponsored events, including a climb to the top of Snowdon, a 20-mile bike ride, walks, swims and even a sponsored ski.

Later this month the trio and other friends from St Joseph's RC School in Horwich, are to take part in a 20-mile sponsored walk in the Anglezarke area, before they go their separate ways to various sixth form colleges.

They are hoping to raise more than £600 for the Royal Brompton Hospital in London and the Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust.

Despite her illness, Jenny refuses to let it get her down and never complains.

Jenny's friend Jennifer, who along with form tutor Kevin Lloyd have jointly nominated her for the Greater Manchester Police Young Citizen Award, said that she has always shown courage and the determination to succeed in whatever she does.

"On holidays we have been on with school, she seems to have more staying power than me," said Jennifer.

"She never complains about tiredness and without prompting does her physio each day, which I know must be a chore knowing you have to do it twice every single day, regardless of what you have planned.

"An early start on the ski slopes means Jenny is up an hour before anyone else.

"On one adventure weekend we did potholing, abseiling and canoeing. It was action packed and Jenny never faltered.

"Unless you knew Jenny has cystic fibrosis you would never guess."

Mr Lloyd has been Jenny's form tutor for 12 months and said he has been impressed and encouraged by her determination, strength of character and delightful nature.

"She is an inspiration to others, especially her friends," said Mr Lloyd.

At the moment the friends are nearing the end of their GCSE examinations, and when they're over they will be able to get down to some serious practice for the sponsored walk on June 22, which Mr Lloyd and Jenny's father will also be tackling.

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