A CHIRK girl has donated £1,000 to local key workers after completing a challenge last month,

Lily Hughes, of Lodgevale Park, took on her own version of the Rainbow Challenge, which saw her complete 5km distances for three consecutive weekends.

She completed one leg on her bike, another walking and a third one by running 5km.

The eight-year-old managed to raise £1,000 through the challenge, and split the funds she had raised between Chirk Community Hospital and Chirk Court Care Home.

Her mother, Sally, went with Lily to present the cheques for £500 to both the hospital and the care home, and was overwhelmed by the reception for her daughter.

She said: “The hospital and care home were amazing.

“They made a massive fuss of her and the director of nursing was there at one of them to congratulate her for her efforts.

“They even gave her little gifts which was really nice and I think she was really overwhelmed.

“They even gave her brother Osian a certificate for supporting her.

“The care home staff also said they would be writing a letter to her.

“We weren’t expecting it at all.

“They were all very appreciative and her kindness has certainly been reciprocated.”

Lily received the £1,000 of donations from friends, relatives and locals who all cheered her as she completed her final leg of the challenge last month.

Sally was pleased with the response to Lily’s challenge and was very grateful to the recipients for their gratitude to her daughter.

She said: “Lily is really proud of herself, but she has taken it in her stride really well.

“The welcome she received from the hospital and care home was amazing.

“I think the welcome from the hospitals and the thanks she got made her realise what she had actually achieved, which was really nice to see.

“When she realised how grateful they she was were when handing over the cheque, I think it’s put it all into perspective for her.”

Sally thanked all who donated.

Sally was also grateful to everyone who donated to Lily’s fundraiser and encouraged her during her challenge.

She added: “We have been overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity. Both Chirk Court Care Home and Chirk Hospital were eternally grateful and made Lily feel very special indeed.

“As a family we are immensely proud of her and everything she has achieved and we are also so, so grateful that something good can come out of such a hard and trying time for everyone.”