TEN-year-old Sophie McNamee has managed to keep shtum for a full 24 hours to help her disabled sister get a new place to play.

When Sophie heard there were plans to build a playground suitable for children with disabilities and special needs at Ivybridge’s Donkey Sanctuary, she decided to help out.

Her elder sister, Abby, has cerebral palsy and regularly attends the sanctuary’s Donkey Assisted Therapy Centre.

Sophie is known for being quite a chatterbox, so when she chose to raise money through a 24-hour sponsored silence her family knew it would be a real test for her.

But Sophie amazed everyone when she not only rose to the challenge, but raised £126 for the ‘Fun-Together-Appeal’.

The appeal is trying to reach the target of £50,000 for a fully accessible pirate-themed playground.

Appeal committee member Colin Whybrow received Sophie’s donation.

He said: ‘We think Sophie is a star fundraiser.

‘We are so grateful that she has made this very special effort to help us raise funds to build the playground.

‘Her sister, Abby, is just the sort of person we want to be able to benefit from being able to have a playground that is accessible for children in wheelchairs with disabilities.

‘There are so few opportunities for them to be able to join in and play alongside other children.

‘That’s what the Fun-Together-Appeal is all about.’