Isla’s gonna walk 500 miles in memory of her grandad

Isla Grundy, from Pudsey, has only just turned four but is aiming to cover the mammoth distance by next June.

She has already raised over £1,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and won the support of Scottish duo the Proclaimers, whose song I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) inspired her fundraising efforts.

Now she and her family are preparing for their next event, a walk at Roundhay Park on Monday with her cousins and friends.

Four-year-old Isla Grundy from Pudsey, with mum Kirsty and dad Richard.

Her mum Kirsty said: “The sponsorship will all go into Isla’s pot and this is a little bit more fun so she doesn’t have to do all the miles on her own.”

Her dad Richard’s father David was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in June 2013, a fatal neurological disorder which eventually leaves sufferers unable to walk, talk or move.

Mr Grundy lost his fight in June this year and his family came up with the charity challenge as they wanted to continue to support the charity in his name.

Previously one of his other sons John covered 10,000km in a year, while other fundraising included runs by Isla and her parents.

Kirsty, 34, said the family felt they needed to do something: “You feel a bit helpless, there’s nothing you can do to stop it.

“This was my husband’s idea and it’s trying to make something positive out of what has happened.”

So far Isla’s feats have included completing the family run in the Pudsey 10k and last weekend she and her parents got the seal of approval from The Proclaimers.

The brothers were playing at St George’s Hall, in Bradford, and invited her and her parents to watch a soundcheck after they told the duo’s agent about the challenge.

“It was like having our own private gig,” Kirsty said.

“They came for a chat with us afterwards and they were so friendly.”

On Monday, Isla and her friends will walk around Waterloo Lake in Roundhay Park.

To follow her progress, visit https://isla500miles.wordpress.com/, follow @isla500miles on Twitter or Isla will walk 500 miles on Facebook.

Donate via www.justgiving.com/richard-grundy4.