Every time Kara Richards pulls on her walking boots, her little feet are in for a good workout.
Last month the seven-year-old clocked up a staggering 100km when she raised over £700 for Wales Air Ambulance’s Walk Wales challenge.
“As soon as Kara realised I’d signed up for the walk, she was determined to do it too,” says her mother, Natalie. “She said we could double the money!
“I’m so incredibly proud of her. She came out with me in all weather, rain or shine, and never complained when I dragged her on the long walks.
"She would even walk around her school playground during lunchtime to get her kilometres in.”
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Kara, who is a pupil at Rhyd-y-Fro Primary School, Pontardawe, signed up for the Walk Wales 2022 challenge, which allows walkers to either get out and explore Wales, or get their steps in at home with gardening, walking the dog for a walk or simply walking up and down the stairs.
Kara has had an interest in the Wales Air Ambulance since the first lockdown when she saw the charity’s helicopters flying overhead.
So she visited the Wales Air Ambulance website to find out more.
She began donating her pocket money to the cause and later completed a poster project and wrote about the charity's life-saving work as part of her home-learning.
This is Kara’s first charity fundraiser, but Natalie believes it won’t be her last.
“Kara always makes it easy for us to be proud of her," she said.
"But we’re so proud of her determination in completing the 100k challenge and for raising so much money for Wales Air Ambulance.
"She’s our little star!”
Meanwhile Elin Wyn Murphy, who is the Events and Partnerships Fundraiser for Wales Air Ambulance, congratulated Kara for completing her 100km walk.
“Walking that far is a challenge for anyone, let alone a seven-year-old,” she said.
“And it’s wonderful how such a young child understands the important work that the Wales Air Ambulance does.
“Kara - you’re a superstar, and you should be very proud of yourself!
"Thank you so much for supporting us, because every penny you’ve raised will help the people who need us.”
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