Eight-year-old girl on 'mission to save the world' walks 144,000 steps for Leeds' homeless

An eight-year-old girl on a 'mission to save the world' has walked an incredible 144,000 steps raising money for the homeless in Leeds.
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Nevaeh Wood, from Seacroft, set herself the challenge to walk 12,000 steps a day for 12 days over Christmas.

She has raised £270 from sponsorship and has used the money to buy food and Christmas gifts for rough sleepers.

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Nevaeh completed her final 12,000 steps through Leeds city centre on Saturday, stopping off to see Father Christmas in the Merrion Centre on the way.

Nevaeh Wood, from Seacroft, set herself the challenge to walk 12,000 steps a day for 12 days over ChristmasNevaeh Wood, from Seacroft, set herself the challenge to walk 12,000 steps a day for 12 days over Christmas
Nevaeh Wood, from Seacroft, set herself the challenge to walk 12,000 steps a day for 12 days over Christmas

On Christmas Eve, Nevaeh and her mum Naiomi will wrap up socks, gloves, hates, hand sanitiser, deodorant and sweet treats and hand out the gift bags with a hot meal across the city centre.

Nevaeh will personally write Christmas cards for each gift bag.

Naiomi, 39, said: "Santa gave her a special mention on her final walk and got everyone to give her a round-of-applause, it was lovely.

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"We're all so proud. She's exhausted now, she'll probably sleep until Christmas!"

The eight-year-old completed her final 12,000 steps through Leeds city centre on SaturdayThe eight-year-old completed her final 12,000 steps through Leeds city centre on Saturday
The eight-year-old completed her final 12,000 steps through Leeds city centre on Saturday

After spotting a heartbreaking appeal made by a single mother who was struggling to make ends meet, some of the money raised has been used to donate food and Christmas gifts to the family.

It's the second year of fundraising for Nevaeh, who did a sponsored litter pick last Christmas and hosts raffles with the help of her mum on her Facebook page 'Nevaeh's Mission to Save the World'.

Naiomi added: "She asked Santa for nothing last year, she said she wanted him to help people who needed it more than her.

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"Nevaeh would be happy with £5 as she knows it would go so far for the people who need it.

"She doesn’t come from much but she’s so giving with what she has.

"She’s such a loved little girl and everyone is saying that she is melting their hearts, she’s so kind and never thinks of herself."

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