Leeds girl Isla has walked 500 miles

Her fundraising challenge in memory of her granddad – Isla Will Walk 500 Miles, named after the Proclaimers song – ends on Father’s Day.

Isla and her family, from Pudsey, have raised £3,500 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, smashing their original target.

Isla’s mum Kirsty said: “We’d initially hoped to raise £500 and have been completely overwhelmed by the success of Isla’s fundraising.

“It’s unbelievable to think that we’ve topped £3,000 and are now about to raise £3,500. Isla has done so well and we are immensely proud of her.”

The challenge was inspired by Isla’s granddad David, who was diagnosed with the neurological disorder Motor Neurone Disease in June 2013 and died two years later.

His family decided on the feat in his memory and all the miles they have done have been logged.

Walks long and short as far afield as Filey, Whitby and Bridlington have added to the total, as well as toddles and scavenger hunts with Isla’s friends.

“We’ve also welcomed a sister to Isla in March which we’re delighted about, although it made keeping up with the miles a little harder towards the end of the pregnancy,” Kirsty added.

In October last year the family got the seal of approval from the Proclaimers themselves when they were invited to watch a soundcheck before the duo played at St George’s Hall in Bradford.

This Sunday the Grundys will again take part in the Pudsey family fun run, with June also marking a year since Mr Grundy died and Motor Neurone Disease awareness month.

Follow @isla500miles on Twitter.