A DETERMINED youngster from Warwickshire has put her best foot forward in aid of a life-saving children’s charity.
Nine-year-old Lola Bennett from Luddington walked 30 miles around the county’s beauty spots to raise money for The Children’s Air Ambulance.
The rescue service ensures the high-speed transfer of critically ill babies and children, flying them from one hospital to another for specialist care.
Lola signed up to’ #TheCrew’ – a club for children linked to the lifesaving charity – and was eager to start a fund-raising challenge.
She said: “Joining The Crew sounded like a great idea, I really wanted to start fund-raising right away.”
Since the pandemic scuppered Lola’s plans for a fund-raising tea party, she decided to walk 20 miles throughout February instead.
She explained: “I asked my family and friends to sponsor me and then my grandad challenged me to walk an extra 10 miles to make the total 30, and if I did these extra miles, he’d sponsor me even more money – so I took up the challenge.
“The local Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance – which is also run by The Air Ambulance Service- helped me when I was a baby, and now that I’m nine, I wanted to help their Children’s Air Ambulance charity.”
Lola’s feat has raised just over £300 for the charity.
She added: “The charity is important to me and I am really proud of myself for completing the challenge and to have raised an amazing £309.”
Mum Amy added: “I am so proud of Lola for completing her walking challenge. During lockdown, it kept us active and the fact it was for such an amazing charity made the walking so much easier.
“Lola has also donated some clothes and toys to the local air ambulance shop in Stratford and is already planning her next fundraising event. I can’t wait to see how she does.”
Anoushka Brown, the Youth Development Manager for The Children’s Air Ambulance, said: “Lola is brilliant by taking on such a tough challenge and raising a fantastic amount for the charity.
“We’re glad that she’s enjoying being a member of #TheCrew and impressed with how passionate she is.”
#TheCrew is free to sign up to, and teaches youngsters about saving lives, helicopters, medicine, fund-raising, and how a charity works. The club also offers advice and teaching on community work, volunteering, working as part of a team, and supporting good causes.
Visit www.childrensairambulance.org.uk for more information.
