A ROMSEY schoolgirl has completed a fundraising challenge that saw her run one mile a day.

Gabby Pattison, nine, finished her final run on November 16 with her friends and family.

The challenge was set to raise money for the Cupernham Junior School PTA to get a new outdoor classroom and has almost raised £2,000.

It started on October 22 with Gabby having now completed 26 one-mile runs in 26 days. The challenge was supported by Romsey MP Caroline Nokes who joined Gabby on Facetime for her run on November 9.

After the run, Caroline said in a tweet: “Chilly early morning virtual mile today with Gabby Pattison who is running one mile 26 times, raising money for an outdoor classroom at Cupernham juniors.”

Gabby's father Tristan Pattison said: “Gabby is very happy to have completed it. The weather was really bad for the last four or five runs, but the promise of a milkshake at the end of the final run kept Gabby motivated.”

Tristan explained that the challenge had caused some sibling rivalry between Gabby and her younger sister Niamh. 

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He said: “Niamh wants to do something similar and raise even more money.”

The family has plans to bring the challenge back next year and encourage more children to get involved. 

This would be held around the time of the Romsey Relay Marathon in May. Tristan said: “We want as many people to get involved as possible. People don't have to run a mile a day for 26 days, they can do it how they choose.

“Gabby has learned a lot about herself from doing this. She told me that if people keep donating, she would keep running.”

On Gabby's fundraising page, a message from the school said: “Learning outside has so many benefits including physical and mental health, creating memorable learning moments, increased motivation and personal confidence. Our aim at Cupernham over the next couple of years is to link all of our current curriculum subjects to allow an increase in learning outdoors.

“An outdoor classroom would be an amazing addition to our school site. It would provide shelter from sun and rain and therefore could be in use all year round.”

On November 18, £1,724 had been raised after an initial target of just £250. With more donations expected to come in, they are confident of hitting £2,000.

To donate, visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/gabs-pattison.