A FIFTEEN-year-old has successfully completed a charity walk from Bridgwater to Wellington smashing her fundraising target in the process.
Freya Bird, accompanied by her father Mike, took on the 20-mile challenge on Saturday (August 1) despite undergoing two major brain operations - the latest in January this year.
She decided she wanted to walk to support Children’s Hospice South West in memory of a school friend who passed away recently and was cared for at the charity’s Charlton Farm.
The teenager lives with her family in Bridgwater while Mike originally comes from Wellington where he now runs the football club’s Ability Counts section.
They set off from their home at 8 am on Saturday and, with a couple of stops along the route, reached their destination by 5.30 pm in the evening smashing Freya’s target in more ways than one.
The teenager had originally hoped to raise £500 but the total so far stands at more than £1,000 with the determined pair managing to walk the furthest either of them ever has in their goal to raise vital funds for the charity’s work.
She said: "I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who supported me and donated - it really helped keep me going.
“A huge thank you to my dad, who encouraged me every step of the way. My ankle was really hurting towards the end, but I was determined to finish, and I’m so pleased I did.”
Mike added: “We’re all incredibly proud of Freya for completing her challenge.
“She has raised far more than she ever set out to which is a fantastic achievement. A huge thank you to everyone who supported and sponsored her - we’re so grateful for your generosity and encouragement.”
Freya’s fundraising page is still open for donations at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/childrens-hospice-south-west-charity-walk
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