Two little girls take on gruelling NHS fundraisers

Dorrie McPherson has generated more than £1,000 to support frontline health workers through her attempt to run a marathon over several days by running a loop along streets near her Melton home.

And Miley Guy raised £250 over four days by cycling around the Croxton Kerrial countryside near her family house for the equivalent of the distance across the English Channel, just two months after learning to ride her bike without stabilisers.

Both children wanted to do their bit after hearing how doctors, nurses and carers have supported patients diagnosed with Covid-19 at great risk to their own health.

Dorrie, who is in Year two at Sherard Primary School in the town but is currently isolating at home because of the ongoing restrictions, started her marathon effort on April 24 and hopes to complete the target distance of just over 26 miles inside a month.

Her mum, Caroline, told the Melton Times: “She originally set a goal to raise £36, we upped it to £100 and now she’s raised more than £1,000.

“Each day we run a mile loop near our home and post a video on social media to update all of her supporters.

“Dorrie said that she knows that the NHS is in a bit of trouble at the moment but she says ‘it’s OK because I am going to help them’.

“She has a heart of gold and we are bursting with pride.

“She is such a determined little girl and this is a really positive thing for her to do during isolation.”

Go to www.gofundme.com/f/dorries-marathon-in-a-month-for-leicester-nhs to sponsor Dorrie in aid of Leicester Hospitals Charity.

Miley, a pupil at Croxton Kerrial Primary School, was accompanied on her rides by mum, Stevie, and three-year-old brother, Luca, who travelled on a little buggy at the back.

The little girl pedalled in front and covered six miles a day in a little over an hour on each of the days - she sang a different song each day to keep themsevles going often against strong winds.

Mum Stevie said: “We came up with the idea together because Miley takes part in the clapping for the NHS every Thursday and she wanted to do something to help.

“We put it up on Facebook and posted videos each day and really we weren’t expecting many people to donate money because people are all going through hard times at the moment.

“We were really taken aback by how many people sponsored Miley and it just shows how the community comes together for a good cause.

“She only learned to ride her bike properly in February but she cycled all that way, bless her.”

To sponsor Miley, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mileyridesthechannel to pledge money for NHS Charities Together.