Oxfordshire girl walks 13 miles to help critically ill children

A determined nine-year-old girl from Wheatfield, Nr Thame has completed a half marathon in aid of the Oxfordshire-based Children’s Air Ambulance (TCAA) – raising £1,195.

Isla Allen took up the brilliant challenge of walking 13 miles in one day to raise lifesaving funds for the charity which flies critically ill babies and children from one hospital to another for urgent specialist care.

Accompanied by her dad Tom, Isla started her half marathon challenge from her home near Thame, out to Watlington, and back – keeping to a route mainly filled with beautiful countryside.

Isla and her sister Lara are both members of #TheCrew – an exciting club for children linked to the lifesaving charity – after being inspired to join when the charity hosted an assembly at their school.

When asked why she undertook this impressive challenge for the Children’s Air Ambulance, Isla said:

“When the Children’s Air Ambulance team came to my school, they really inspired me to want to raise money and help poorly babies and children across the country.”

With her target set at £450, Isla is delighted to have completed the challenge in one day – without complaining – and raising an impressive £1,195.

“I feel very proud – it feels good to have done something so amazing,” added Isla.

Youth Development Manager for TCAA, Anoushka Brown commented:

“Isla is truly inspirational by taking on such a tough challenge and raising a fantastic amount for the charity, especially during a difficult time for everyone – we are incredibly grateful.

“We are also very happy that both Isla and Lara are enjoying being members of #TheCrew.”

As part of #TheCrew, children can learn about saving lives, helicopters, medicine, fundraising, and how a charity works. The club offers advice and teaching on community work, volunteering, working as part of a team, and supporting good causes which form part of many school curriculums.

“It is completely free to join and, once signed up, members will receive an awesome welcome pack,” added Anoushka.

 

To learn more about #TheCrew or to sign up – please click here.