Identical twins and “mini carers” Isabella and Olivia Robson raised more than £1,000 when they took part in the Junior Great North Run.

The nine-year-olds, from Egremont, ran to raise money for the Allerdale and Copeland Autism Support Group in honour of their little brother Isaac, six, who was diagnosed with autism three years ago.

The girls, who say they love their little brother and help care for him, completed the 4km race in 26 minutes.

They hoped to raise £100 but ended up with £1,120.

After completing the run, Isabella and Olivia “felt very tired”, according to their dad, Joe, who added: “It seems like it hasn’t dawned on them how great their achievement is.”

The caring big sisters came up with the idea of doing the run by themselves and also typed up their plea for sponsorship on a crowd funding website.

They said: “Our little brother was diagnosed with autism three years ago [and] we all live with the challenges autism brings to our family on a daily basis.”

Joe added: “We are so proud of the girls.”

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They continue on to say, “we love our little brother and help and support him in all he does”.

The Allerdale and Copeland Autism Support Group have greatly helped the Egremont family, organising soft-play for children with autism, and helping families and children feel comfortable during their time playing together in an understanding environment.

Wendy Askew, organiser of the support group, explained what is done for families with autistic children: “our aim is to support parents/carers of children and adults with autism and associated conditions. We offer guidance and support in a non-judgemental setting”.

As well as their ‘try before you buy scheme’, allowing families to test the effectiveness of expensive items, such as weighted blankets, before spending money on them, the group, “also provide autism and family-friendly activities in the holidays for children and their siblings”.

Regularly seeing the positive impact these autism-friendly activities have had on their brother, and the whole family, is what made the St. Bridget’s Primary School students want to raise money for the Autism Support Group.