A seven-year-old girl has overcome her fear of the wind and walked the equivalent of a marathon around her village to raise much-needed money for five good causes.

Aria Hennessy, from Iwade, near Sittingbourne, spent a week walking around the village after being inspired by people on TV who have "gone the extra mile" for others during the coronavirus crisis.

Mum Kate said: "She was influenced by all the good stories out there about people doing all these good things for charity, such as clapping for carers and Captain Tom Moore.

"She said she wanted to be one of those people making a difference.

"Somewhere along the way, she also heard about the problems some zoos were having and she was quite upset about that, so she said she wanted to select lots of different charities to help lots of different people, and animals, during these times."

Aria chose London Zoo, Autism UK, NHS Charities, Age UK and Cancer Research.

Last month, she walked the perimeter of the village every day for a week. She was joined by her mums, Kate and Amanda, and her 11-month-old sister Seren.

In total, they walked 26 miles - the equivalent of a marathon.

"Sometimes Aria hopped, sometimes she ran and sometimes she walked," Kate said.

"She took a week to complete the challenge she set herself, even on very windy days, which was a personal achievement for her as she has recently received professional support for a fear of the wind.

"She's had the fear, on and off, since she was little. She was afraid of things blowing away and was frightened of losing her house - she wouldn't go out in the wind.

"Now, she's 95% cured. Two of the days we walked were really windy so it was such a nice achievement for her on a personal level as well. This time last year she would never have left the house."

The 38-year-old photographer added: "People around the village cheered her on during her travels and she finished at The Woolpack pub, where they fashioned a socially-distanced finish line and gave her a donation of £2 for every takeaway meal they sold that week, which amounted to £200."

Aria raised £900 in total, meaning each charity had a donation of £180.

"We've been to the postbox and Aria posted a cheque to them all," Kate said. "We really couldn't be more proud. It was all her idea, we didn't suggest or push it, she just really felt that was the way she wanted to help and do her bit."

"People's encouragement and generosity shows children they can make a real difference and sets the tone for their future," she added.

"Thanks to everybody who donated and encouraged Aria to do it. A special thanks to The Woolpack for their hefty donation as well."

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