Kind-hearted Rotherham schoolgirl puts best foot forward in charity run for St John's Ambulance
“I wanted to help raise money for the group so other young people can have the same opportunities"
A kind-hearted youngster from Dinnington has raised hundreds of pounds for St John's Ambulance through a fundraising run.
12-year-old Ellie Parry, a pupil at Dinnington School, completed her 2.5km run for Rotherham St John Ambulance in just under 19 minutes, raising £305 in the process.
Ellie has been a member of Rotherham St John Ambulance for more than three years.
She began her journey as a Badger before progressing on to become a Cadet, earning a number of awards and achievements along the way.
The funds raised will help support the Rotherham unit by providing equipment and resources that enable cadets to learn first aid and develop valuable life skills, including teamwork, confidence and leadership.
Speaking about her challenge, Ellie said: "I wanted to do the run because I really enjoy attending Rotherham St John Ambulance.
"I take part in duties at events, learn first aid and have made lots of friends. I wanted to help raise money for the group so other young people can have the same opportunities."
The 2.5km run is the first of what Ellie hopes will be many fundraising challenges in the future. Originally setting herself a fundraising target of £170, she has more than exceeded her goal, raising £305 for the unit.
Rowena Clarkson OStJ, Sheffield and Rotherham Network Lead for St John Ambulance, praised Ellie's achievement.
"Ellie has done so much with the group over the years and it is wonderful to see her taking on this fundraising challenge. Raising £305 is a fantastic achievement and will make a real difference to the opportunities we can provide for our young people. Ellie is a great asset to the network, and we are all incredibly proud of her," said Rowena
A spokesperson for Rotherham St John Ambulance said Ellie's dedication both as a cadet and as a fundraiser "demonstrates the positive impact that St John Ambulance has on young people, helping them gain first aid skills, confidence and lifelong friendships while supporting their local communities."
For more information about St John Ambulance youth please visit: https://www.sja.org.uk › get-involved › young-people