Essington schoolgirl’s epic walk earns national award nomination
Alice Cadman set herself the challenge of covering 369 miles on foot
An eight-year-old girl from Essington has been named a finalist in this year’s JustGiving Awards after walking the distance from her best friend’s home to Disneyland to raise money for a dream trip.
Alice Cadman set herself the challenge of covering 369 miles on foot to mark the end of her best friend Sophia’s chemotherapy treatment.
She started walking every day from 14 April to 26 May this year, aiming to raise two hundred pounds – but her determination captured hearts far and wide, bringing in £1,745.
"always so kind and brave"
Alice said she wanted to do something special for Sophia, who she described as “the most wonderful person in the world” and “always so kind and brave.”
The pair love playing games, making slime, and watching TV with tea and biscuits, and Alice hopes the money raised will help give Sophia the magical Disneyland trip she deserves.
Alice’s fundraising has now earned her a place among twenty finalists in the JustGiving Awards, chosen from more than 18 thousand nominations.
She is up for the new Kids: Rising Star category, which celebrates inspirational young fundraisers.
Other new categories this year include Endurance: Mind Over Miles, Influencer: Social for Good, Team: Stronger Together and Community: Outstanding Commitment. Winners will be announced later this year.
"extraordinary individuals"
Pascale Harvie, President and General Manager of JustGiving, said: “In 25 years, over £7 billion has been raised for good causes by millions of incredible fundraisers on JustGiving.
"The Awards is our way of shining a light on those extraordinary individuals whose courage, compassion and commitment inspire us all.
"With thousands of remarkable nominees this year, narrowing them down to just 20 finalists was no easy task. Alice’s story is truly heart-warming.
"Her determination to raise money for her incredibly brave best friend, Sophia, is nothing short of inspirational.
"Alice is proof that you’re never too young to make a meaningful difference.”