‘Little shining star’ walks 300,000 steps in March for charity
Determined six-year-old India-Rose raises more than £1,100 for Queen Alexandra Hospital’s Starfish children’s ward after battling her way through cuts, nosebleeds, and plenty of pain and tears
A YOUNG girl with a ‘heart of gold’ has put her best foot forward for a huge challenge to help bring a smile to children in hospital.
Six-year-old India-Rose Jenkins battled aches, pains and scrapes as she marched throughout March, taking on 300,000 steps throughout the month.
The determined Hilsea youngster was encouraged to take on this challenge by nanny Pauline Jenkins, following India-Rose’s £250 fundraising drive last year to help paramedics like their family friend Louise Solomon.
Borrowing her dad Jake’s Fitbit for the month, IndiaRose blew everyone away with her latest challenge by keeping up with more than 10,000 steps each day.
India-Rose has raised more than £1,100 for the Starfish children’s ward at Queen Alexandra Hospital.
She said :‘ I want to make the poorly children feel better and smile brighter. I also want to thank the doctors and nurses with chocolates.’
Pauline said: ‘When I set this challenge for India-Rose I really wasn't thinking about how big a challenge it was for such a small little girl. After week one she had pains in her knees, hips and feet.
‘Week three she hurt herself again cutting her knees, having a nosebleed, scratches on her cheek and a fat lip.
‘Every time had a few tears, a cuddle then was ready to go again. I was worried I had set an impossible challenge and the effect it could have on her. I even told her that if she needed to stop she really hadn't let anyone down
‘How I underestimated my Indi, there was no way she was giving up, she just kept saying she's going to make the poorly children smile.
‘I can truly say I have never been more proud of anything as I am of my little best friend with a pure heart of gold.’
Dressed in her speciallymade jumper which told passers by of her challenge, India-Rose took on walks around the area and even pushed her nine-month-old sister Sofia-Mae’s pushchair.
Proud mum Chantelle said: ‘When this challenge was first mentioned I had my doubts as my India
Rose loves to moan about walking too much anywhere. However from day one her determination blew me away.
‘She was adamant she was going to get to 10,000 plus steps a day to make the poorly children feel better. Walking with her became more enjoyable and we chatted, played and had lots of fun along with it all.
‘She is the most selfless six-year-old I know, she has a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone. She even donated her own pocket money to her cause. I'm beyond proud of her, my little shining star.’
India-Rose, who even donated £5 from her own money box, hopes to use the funds to buy toys for the children on the wards and chocolates for the staff.
She has received support from all over the world after her challenge was posted on social media, and was even given the Wow Award at her school.
Visit gofund.me/ b0599f39 to donate towards India-Rose’s cause.