A TEN-year-old from Tavistock ran five kilometres a day for six days during lockdown to raise money for Marie Curie, the charity that provided end-of-life care for both her great grandparents and grandmother.

Keziah Hutchins, a keen cross-country runner, decided she wanted to take on a challenge and make a difference by raising money for charity at the same time. She chose Marie Curie and raised £320.

Keziah said: ‘I wanted to show my support for the amazing Marie Curie Nurses who were there for my great grandparents and grandma.

‘My great Grandpa was a cross country runner and won a bronze medal in the cross-country championship in 1936/1937 when he was a soldier in East Africa. I am continuing his passion for running.

‘I ran 30k in total. It was really hot, but my sheepdog Pip ran by my side every day and spurred me on when I got tired in the heat. Except the first day when he was busy getting the sheep for shearing on my parent’s farm, but on that day Ben joined me.’

Whilst on her daily runs, Keziah enjoyed plenty of animal encounters.

She said: ‘I was lucky to see a goldfinch and a thrush on one early morning run. Another day I bumped into a deer — I’m not sure who was more surprised actually.

‘One day mum asked me to run past the cows and calves to check on them, I stopped for a stroke with one who is my friend and then a cheeky calf chased me.’

Keziah’s mum Annabel said: ‘Keziah has loved every minute of her cross country runs and is so pleased to have raised well over her own target for Marie Curie. It means a great deal to her knowing that Marie Curie Nurses were there for her great grandparents as well as grandma and she is proud to have inherited her great grandfather’s passion for cross country running.

‘She’s a determined and independent young girl and we’re all so proud of her for taking on this challenge.’

Lynda Thomas, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser in Devon, added: ‘I’d like to say a huge thank you to Keziah and everyone who sponsored her.

‘Our nursing teams across Devon are out every day and night, providing expert and compassionate care for dying people and supporting their loved ones.’