A Thatcham girl has completed a fundraising challenge to provide support to premature and sick babies.
Almost 58,000 babies – or one in every 13 – are born preterm (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) in the UK each year, according to the charity Bliss.
Georgia, 8, with her younger cousin Dylan. Image supplied by Louise Tully
Eight-year-old Georgia began running 2k every day in December, inspired by her younger cousin Dylan who was born three months premature.
She battled through towards the end, contracting tonsilitis just six days before Christmas.
Georgia ran every day from Dec 1 until Christmas Eve, finishing with a family on Christmas Day
But she still succeeded, with a little help from her mum, and raised £1,270 for the charity, which supports research projects and care services to help give every premature and sick baby the best possible future.
Reflecting on her success, Georgia told newburytoday: “They first kept it a secret from me because I had literally just gone to bed. And then in the morning, they told me that I was really excited and happy.”
She even completed a walk on Christmas day with her nan and her dog. And she did get the Xbox she wished for.
Her mum Louise Tully added: “She showed a lot of determination because there were a few days where she didn’t want to go out, where it was storms and really cold.
“I can’t believe that we raised over £1,200.”
And JustGiving also told them their campaign ranked in the top 10 per cent of fundraisers for the month.
Georgia’s fundraiser is still open for donations.
Visit https://shorturl.at/ZOE03 to make a contribution.