THERE were jubilant scenes as a 10-year-old girl completed her epic fundraising challenge – making it to John O'Groats on her cross trainer.
As reported by the Packet, Mia Richardson embarked on a 1,347km 'journey' from Land's End and she has so far raised an incredible £18,500 for Cornwall Care’s Blackwood House in Camborne.
Mia ran the final 10k in front of a socially distanced and cheering audience of family friends, care home staff and residents on Tuesday (June 23).
Cornwall’s Lord Lieutenant, Colonel Edward Bolitho, was on hand to present her with a special medal to mark her incredible achievement and other gifts included flowers, cake and her favourite Mr B’s ice-cream.
Mia’s parents, Bernie and Dan, have fully supported her endeavour during the past three months of lockdown and there were plenty of joyful tears, as well as smiles, when the family’s adventure reached its conclusion.
Mia with her mum and dad
“We can’t even begin to describe how proud we are,” said Bernie, who works as a carer at Blackwood.
“Mia has never complained about getting on the cross trainer each day and has thrown herself whole-heartedly into her fundraising mission from the start. She set off with the aim of raising £500 towards the £7,000 cost of an interactive magic table for residents and now has enough donations to buy at least three – plus a greenhouse – outright!”
During her ‘magic journey’, Mia has done dozens of broadcast interviews with radio and TV stations as far afield as Scotland.
“It’s all been for the Blackwood residents,” she said.
“You can do different things with the tables and they’re really good for helping people communicate in a fun way. I found going on the cross trainer easy at the start, but it did get harder. I do a little dance whenever I get a donation and am really happy to have raised so much money.”
Mia finishing her challenge
Blackwood is one of 16 homes run by the charity Cornwall Care.
“What Mia has done is absolutely amazing,” said Cornwall Care CEO, Anne Thomas.
“The pandemic has been a very challenging time for my whole team, but Mia has helped us all stay positive. We can’t thank her and her family enough.”
Mia may have stopped running for the moment, but her Just Giving page remains open.
To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/miarichardson
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