Nine-year-old takes on Pudsey run for charity

Molly Daines, who lives in Barnham with her sister Clara, mum, dad and dog Mango, has raised £1,405 for Children in Need.

She decided to challenge herself to run two miles every day for a week.

She said: “I wanted to do the Pudsey run because I wanted to help children that are not as lucky as me. I also wanted to make a difference to children who struggle

“I wanted to run for Children in Need because I want children to have a better life.”

Molly says she found the challenge difficult and it made her very tired, adding that she did no training and ‘just went for it’.

She had initially set a fundraising target of £100, which she quickly surpassed.

“I was beside myself when I reached £1,000,” she said.

“I couldn’t believe how generous and supportive people were. I was so happy as that would help many children.

“All the support means so much to me.”

The final run took place on Friday, November 13 and Molly was greeted by people cheering her on including a few familiar faces.

She said: “When I did my final run, I felt amazing because all the hard work paid off.

“There were lots of people cheering me on which gave me energy when I was tired. Lots of people on my running route came out to cheer me on and this was amazing.

“My amazing teachers from Barnham Primary School also came out to support me and I was so happy to see them standing there clapping.”

She added: “I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported me through my challenge and I am over the moon to have raised so much money.

“After my run I had a doughnut which was delicious. In the evening we watched Children in Need on BBC 1 and all of a sudden I was on telly.”

Molly’s mum Caroline said: “We are incredibly proud of Molly and what she set out to do.

“We know her contribution to Children in Need is going to make a difference. Her challenge has given us something positive to focus on during lockdown and we are so thankful for everyone who supported her. It has given her a real confidence boost.’’

The 40th Children in Need took place on Friday, November 13 with its mascot Pudsey the bear.

Children In Need funds over 3,900 local charities and projects right across the UK.

This year’s appeal has so far raised £37million.

To donate to Molly, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/mollypudseyrun

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.