18th January 2022
10 year old Freya Murphy from Kirkby Stephen has raised more than £400 by walking over 70 miles during lockdown, to the benefit of town residents.
Alongside her Labrador Harper, Freya has walked a staggering 70 miles. Freya said “As part of my school project during lockdown, one of my challenges was to raise some money for a good cause. I decided I wanted to do something for the local people who have been affected by this annoying coronavirus, and thought it would be lovely if I raised enough money to give the residents a treat at Mill Gardens Assisted Living Scheme. Like a lot of older people they have not been able to see their families and friends and have lived in fear of catching this awful disease. I remember how happy they were to get the lovely pictures we drew for them last year, so thought I’d give them something else that they could enjoy.”
Freya initially decided to walk 31 miles, however as the month progressed, she actually doubled this and walked over 70 miles in 31 days alongside Harper. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Eden Housing Association residents have only just been able to enjoy their treat of Christmas Dinner.
Freya’s Mum Sarah, commented “I am extremely proud of Freya, she decided what she wanted to do and made it happen. Since doing this challenge, she has taken part in an 8 mile Charity Cross Bay Morecambe walk raising money for Eden Valley Hospice and is planning on what she can next. I think it’s so important as parents and teachers to encourage the young people of today how to make a difference in helping those who are less fortunate than themselves in whatever way they can.”
Speaking on behalf of the residents at Mill Gardens, Support and Activity Co-Ordinator Debra Wilkinson said “We would like to say a huge thank you to Freya ( and Harper ) for their generous donation to our tenants. It is lovely and very refreshing to see the younger generation take time out of their day to raise money for such a lovely cause. Our tenants here at Mill Gardens really had a great time getting together and enjoyed their Christmas lunch from the Black Bull at Nateby. I hope that Freya’s efforts will go on to inspire other young people to think about the more vulnerable people in our communities. Well done Freya and thanks again, keep up the good work”.
Freya created a Justgiving page which tracked her progress and updated family and friends on her journey.
