A DEDICATED youngster who set out to run at least a mile every week for a whole year has raised £500 for charity.

Olivia Holland loves running: the Burraton Primary School pupil has represented her local running club, the Tamar Trotters, at athletics competitions as well as competing for Cornwall at the South West regional finals.

The nine year old decided to take on a fundraising challenge after hearing about the Plymouth-based charity Hugs from Henry.

Her mum Amanda used to work with Elsbeth Hallam, whose son Henry was diagnosed with cancer at three years old. The charity the family founded has gone on to provide financial and emotional support to families from all over the UK.

‘I chose Hugs from Henry because I wanted to help children with neuroblastoma,’ said Olivia.

‘I came up with this idea because I like running, I thought it would fit in with my sports clubs, and it gave me a good feeling.’

Keen cross country runner Olivia has racked up much more than her target of a mile a week after taking part in the East Cornwall Primary Schools league races and other outdoor events.

Her favourite was the final league race at Bake Lakes ‘because of the challenging conditions of mud and rain’.

Last summer, Olivia broke her toe - but determined to keep going, the Year 5 pupil extended the year of fundraising to make up for the weeks of injury.

She says she will definitely keep running - and the best thing about it as far as she’s concerned? ‘My mum can’t keep up with me!’

To find out more and support Olivia’s campaign visit www.justgiving.com and search for Amanda Holland.