Nine-year-old Loughborough runner smashes target for Rainbows

A nine-year-old with a passion for running has capitalised on her hobby to raise £510 for Rainbows.

During May, Ariyella Wilmore, of Loughborough, set herself the target of running 20km but she actually completed 29km. Most evenings after school, and at the weekends, Ariyella and her mum, Rebecca Taylor, would pound the streets and fields of the neighbourhood in their fundraising quest for us.

“Ariyella joined a running club last year and she has just really taken to it,” said Rebecca. “She just loves running and came up with the challenge to do a charity run.

“Ariyella knew of Rainbows as I once knew of a child who was cared for at Rainbows. I am very passionate about the charity and have talked about it with her. She understands how much Rainbows does for children and their families.

“I am so proud of her.”

Ariyella added: “I am so happy I ran for Rainbows and raised a great amount of money to help children and families that are in need. Running is what I enjoy doing and one day my dream is to run in the London Marathon.”

Gary Farnfield, Rainbows Community Fundraiser, added: “Thank you so much to Ariyella for her incredible hard work. It is wonderful to have little fundraisers supporting us and what Ariyella has done, means we can provide more precious memories for those babies, children and young people with serious and terminal illnesses.”