MANY of us have been motivated to try different things during lockdown.

From baking banana bread to painting rainbows for our windows, we’ve all felt the urge to take on a challenge of some kind during these unprecedented times.

One little girl, Dixie Yates from Leigh, decided to take on a huge challenge to run 300 miles for Children With Cancer UK during lockdown, after being inspired by their TV appeal.

The eight-year-old has gone out almost every day to run, despite having no experience previously, and has so far raised £920.

This has led to the Twelve Apostles RC Primary pupil being named the fundraiser of the month by Children With Cancer UK.

Her dad Tom Yates, 40, who has been running with her, said: “She was watching TV and saw an appeal for Children With Cancer and something must have clicked because she decided she wanted to do something to raise money for them.

“Dixie wanted to do something challenging and decided to start running in May.

“We chose Dixie’s birthday on February 8 2021 as our end date. We worked out 300 miles would be an achievable, but challenging target.

“As Dixie hasn’t really done any long distance running before she found it difficult at first but is now running up to three miles a time.

“She’s run 115 miles in total and has raised £920, which is just incredible.

“It’s not been easy, the weather was really hot at times and she could have said ‘no I’m not doing it it’s too hard’, but she didn’t and I am so proud of her.

“Then because we put it on social media and some Wigan [rugby league] players and Shaun Wane [the England coach] have retweeted it which is amazing.

“She is just a kind little girl, this is all her idea, so for Children With Cancer UK to name her as fundraiser of them month is amazing really.

“It just goes to show you really that anyone can do anything if they put their mind to it.

“Dixie just decided to do something to help other people and this money will undoubtedly help so many people who need it and she should be really proud.”

Children With Cancer is a national children’s charity dedicated to the fight against childhood cancer.

Their aim is to determine the causes, find cures and provide care for children with cancer.

n To donate to Dixie’s challenge, and to check out her updates as she continues her 300 mile goal, go to bit.ly/Dixie300.

n For more news and sport go to leighjournal.co.uk