A schoolgirl from Sutton Coldfield, with a passion to do good, has channelled her inner superhero by taking on a junior triathlon for sick kids at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and raising £800.

Erin Mandefield, 10, has a passion for athletics and for the past three years, since the age of seven, she has used her hobby to raise money for those less fortunate. Her enthusiasm to do good comes from growing up watching both mum, Louise, and dad, Andy, take part in sporting events for charity, including Iron Man events, and Erin was inspired to do the same.

Erin’s first fundraiser was a scootathalon – a mini scoot, cycle and run. She also took on the Royal Sutton Fun Run and her most recent event was a junior triathlon – the first open-water triathlon she’s attempted. The Cholmondeley Castle Triathlon in Cheshire saw Erin take on a 300-metre open-water swim, a 4.2-kilometre cycle ride and 1.6-kilometre run. At only ten years old, Erin was the youngest and smallest competitor, but bravely ploughed ahead while other competitors backed out.

Erin’s Dad, Andy, said: “Erin was totally fearless. Louise and I were so anxious watching her take on this challenge, especially as she is so young, but she completely amazed us. Taking on the open-water swim massively took her out of her comfort zone, as she wasn’t able to wear a wetsuit, which gives you some buoyancy in the water. It was such a mental challenge for her, but the thought of helping others pulled her through and we couldn’t be prouder.”

The family of fundraisers have supported Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity for many years, after seeing the kids of friends and family treated there. For her latest challenge, Erin set up a Just Giving page and was delighted as the sponsorship money came rolling in from family, friends, her school and local athletics club.

Miranda Williams, Head of Public Fundraising at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “Erin is a true superstar. Taking on such a physically intense challenge at such a young age is an inspiration to all and something that a lot of adults would struggle to do. Combining her passion for athletics, with her motivation to help others, has resulted in an amazing amount of money raised for our sick kids and we are all so thankful at the hospital and charity.”