A trio of young girls who vowed to run 10km in an attempt to raise money for a local animal charity have smashed their £200 target.
Nine-year-olds Paloma Moorley, Poppy Jenns and Maddie Dowell completed the mammoth run on Sunday, May 2nd - more than quadrupling their target.
The girls, all pupils at Shute Primary School, raised a whopping £855 for Ferne Animal Sanctuary, near Chard, after the project, which rescues and rehouse animals, has suffered financially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tracey Sutton, Poppy’s mum, said: “The weather wasn’t great — it was wet and cold — but they soldiered on. They’ve done so well, we’re all really proud of them.”
Emma Green, head of fundraising at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, said: “Thank you so much to Poppy, Maddie and Paloma. What an amazing achievement!
“The training paid off and I love the fact that you were not in the least put off by the weather along the way, arriving in Lyme with huge smiles on your faces.
“The last year has been so difficult and the funds raised will make a big difference to our animals. Your families must be very proud of you and we are too. Thank you so much for choosing to support Ferne.”
She gave the girls a Ferne badge and invited them to come and have a tour of the animal sanctuary when it opens again.
The girls’ parents would like to thank Mollies Ice Cream Parlour in Lyme Regis for providing delicious ice creams for when the runners finished.
Tracey added: “Next year, Poppy wants to swim the English Channel — but as a relay in the swimming pool — and would like to get more children involved to help. A charity hasn't yet been chosen.”