Dunstable schoolgirl ran a mile a day during lockdown to support ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

A schoolgirl from Dunstable has raised over £1,000 for ZSL Whipsnade Zoo by running a mile everyday during the second lockdown.

Ciara Dunne, of Princes Street, wanted to do something challenging to raise money for the zoo after it was forced to close for a second time this year to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

She started her challenge of running a mile every day on her 10th birthday, the first day of lockdown, and on Tuesday, December 1, she completed her fundraiser - raising over £1,200.

Her mum, Heather Dunne, said: "Ciara suggested doing something to raise money for the zoo, who have had a difficult time this year with the two lockdowns.

"She hates running, but I said it would be good to do something that she didn't like, to really challenge herself.

"She pledged to run one mile every day for the duration of the second lockdown, therefore covering just over a marathon distance but the end - 27 miles.

"On one weekend she didn't go out on one of the days so she had to run two miles the next day.

"She done really well and set a target of £100, she was worried that no one would sponsor her, but we have now raised over £1,200, which is an amazing amount, thank you to everyone that has sponsored her.

"What makes this quite an achievement for her is that she hates running!

"The fact she chose to do something she finds difficult is testament to her determination to raise as much as she can for Whipsnade.

"I'm so proud of her, she deserves massive credit for her efforts!"

To make a donation to Ciara's fundraising click here.