A year 4 pupil at Yarrells Preparatory School and Nursery in Upton took inspiration from a school assembly and has been virtually walking the Great Wall of China in aid of local children’s hospice charity, Julia’s House.

Nine year old, Nicole-Ginevra, accompanied by her mum Ilenia, braved all weathers to walk the 60-mile virtual challenge during lockdown. Setting out from Beijing, she’s just about to reach the Great Wall of China in the next few days.

“During lockdown we were able to walk every day, but it’s been harder since Nicole-Ginevra went back to school, so we’ve mainly been walking at weekends,” said mum Ilenia.

“ It’s actually been a great way to discover our local area and we’ve been so touched by the donations we’ve received from people who don’t even know Nicole-Ginevra but who wanted to support what she is doing.”

Nicole-Ginevra has raised £170 from family and friends, already exceeding her £150 target.

“I loved the walking, it was a lot of fun and I feel really good,” says Nicole-Ginevra, “But the worst part was when it started to rain, I did get really wet and that wasn’t quite so much fun! I’d love to visit the Great Wall of China for real one day.”

Living close to the charity’s Broadstone shop, Nicole-Ginevra knows Julia’s House well and when her school announced they were taking part in the charity’s Seven Wonders of the World virtual challenge she was determined to take on a complete challenge rather than just walk part of the way.

Chantelle Shave from Julia’s House congratulated Nicole-Ginevra: “Isn’t she a superstar? Nicole-Ginevra should be so proud of her achievement – well done! It’s not easy walking in all weathers - I know as I’ve been doing my own Seven Wonders challenge to Christ the Redeemer – but it is a great way to get fit and support local children and families who really need the help of Julia’s House. We couldn’t be there for these families without extra special fundraisers like Nicole-Ginevra.”

If you would like to donate to Nicole-Ginevra visit her Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nicole-ginevra-borghi

If you would like to find out more about the Seven Wonders of the World virtual challenge or sign up just like Nicole-Ginevra, visit: juliashouse.org/seven-wonders