Five-year-old takes on a 5km challenge for Banbury's Katharine House Hospice and raises over £2,000

The Moreton-in-Marsh schoolgirl was inspired by Captain (now Colonel) Tom Moore and decided that like him, she wanted to raise funds to help people during the coronavirus pandemic.

And like her 100-year-old hero, her £20 target has resulted in a fundraising achievement that has multiplied more than 100-fold to over £2,222.

Anna chose to raise funds for Katharine House following the care provided to her granny by the hospice.

Anna’s Mum, Mary, said: “As a family we were supported by Katharine House Hospice when Anna's granny was dying from a glioblastoma (an aggressive type of brain tumour) when Anna was two and she wanted to raise money for them, as they are struggling for funds, along with many other charities at this time.”

To mark her fifth birthday, Anna decided to run 5km for five days (Monday to Friday) before her fifth birthday on Saturday - a birthday she shares with Princess Charlotte.

Mary and her mum also put a video together which can be viewed here so she could explain in her own words what she is doing and why she is doing it .

Cherida Plumb, Community and Events Fundraising Manager for Katharine House said: "It’s amazing what Anna is doing, being so kind and caring about others at such a young age, especially during times that are proving so tough for so many people. Well done Anna, we’re all cheering you on and we wish you a very happy birthday.”

Anna originally wanted to raise £20, a lot of money when you’re four years old, but her Virgin Money Giving page immediately exploded with support. Mrs Williams agreed with Anna to set the target at £555 to link with Anna’s milestone birthday but even this target ceiling has been well and truly smashed - and is still rising.

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