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Schoolgirl, 8, continues year-long charity mission

Lauren Hirst and Molly Brewer
BBC News
Family handout Eight-year-old Tahlia is pictured smiling as she cuddles her dog Cookie. She is wearing a red jumper as she sits on a blue couch with several light-coloured cushions.Family handout
Tahlia, pictured with her dog Cookie, says she is determined to help others

An eight-year-old girl says she feels "joyful" that her year-long series of charity fundraising challenges will help those in need.

Tahlia, from Bury in Greater Manchester, has vowed to raise money throughout 2025 for a wide range of causes close to her heart.

They include walking 124 miles (200km) over 40 days as part of the Big Lent Walk with her dog Cookie, and completing a sponsored swim in May.

"Raising money for other people is making me feel really joyful and happy," said Tahlia.

'Super proud'

Tahlia started her charity quest in January when she asked friends and family to make a donation to Bury Hospice rather than buying her presents.

"Before my birthday, I asked my mum if [I can raise money for] charities that care for the world instead," she said.

The schoolgirl's kind-hearted decision helped to raise more than £500 for the hospice, which provides palliative and end-of-life care.

In February, she saved her pocket money to sponsor Yorik the goat at Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary.

Currently, she is walking 3.1 miles (5km) each day with her canine companion to raise funds for CAFOD (Catholic Agency For Overseas Development) as part of the Big Lent Walk.

Family handout Tahlia is pictured on her grandad's shoulders, who is sitting on a couch. They are both smiling directly at the camera.Family handout
Tahlia, pictured with her grandad, is planning to raise funds for a stroke charity next month

Next month, she plans to complete a sponsored swim to raise funds for a stroke charity.

She was inspired to swim a mile for charity after her grandad suffered a stroke in January 2021 at the age of 65.

Tahlia's mum Vicky said she was "super proud" of her daughter's fundraising efforts.

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