THE little sister of a young boy from Gourock who is battling leukaemia led her nursery friends on a bear hunt to raise money for a cancer charity.

Four-year-old Annabel Mowat, front, moved her nursery teachers and parents to tears when she gave a speech about her big brother’s fight with the disease.

Annabel told how she was lonely when her mum and dad had to go to hospital, but felt lucky to have her family to look after her.

Nathan — diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia three years ago — and his mum Gillian ran a ‘Glow Gold’ campaign last year with the Tele to raise awareness of childhood cancer.

Now Annabel’s bear hunt at Moorfoot Nursery has helped raise hundreds of pounds for Calum’s Cabin respite centre, which has been a lifeline for the family.

Annabel, who starts school in August, said: “I told everyone about Calum’s Cabin and why I like it so much.”

Her nursery teacher Louise Hampsey says all the staff have been ‘very touched’ by the way Annabel has handled her big brother’s illness.

Louise said: “We wanted to do something for Annabel. She is a little sweetheart and has been so great. It is difficult for siblings.

“Annabel was amazing when she stood up and told the children and parents that her brother had cancer.

“She said it was lonely sometimes.

“It was so moving the way she spoke and we are so proud of her.”

Annabel’s bear hunt adventure involved all the nursery children and their parents raised £1,000 in total — with £500 going towards Calum’s Cabin, which provides holidays for children fighting cancer and their families.

Moorfoot Nursery got fully behind the Glow Gold campaign and have also been a huge support to Nathan, his mum Gillian, dad Paul and Annabel.

Gillian said: “I am overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness and kindness.

“It was very special for Annabel to get the chance to do something like this and feel important. We’ve had great support from the nursery, who have really nurtured Annabel.”