A SIX-YEAR-OLD from Reading has completed a 30km running challenge to raise funds for the RSPCA and help animals in need.

Daya Gill came up with the idea and completed the challenge in March raising a whopping £446 for the charity.

She covered the distance over the course of a month, with her longest run being an impressive 5.4km.

Daya, six, said: “I love animals and really want a dog so I chose to raise money for the RSPCA through my running challenge.

"I love running and I am really proud of what I have done.

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"I thought it would be really hard to do 30km but actually I was surprised that I did it when my mum totalled up my distance one day.

“My running challenge was actually quite fun!

"The hardest part was on a day that I went running when I was already too tired because I’d been gardening.

"I ran out of energy and fell and hurt my knees badly.

"I only managed 1km when usually I can do 3.2km or more.

"My best run was when I did 5.4km when I ran through the University of Reading and around Whiteknights Lake.

"It was an amazing feeling.

"The funniest time was when I ran around a local lake dressed up as a dog - I made friends with lots of other dogs who were also on their walk!"

She added: “I’m so happy that I’ve been awarded a certificate for my achievement and have a subscription to the RSPCA Animal Action magazine because I beat my fundraising target!

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"I love the magazine because it has lots of animal stories which I love reading but they are also sad because some of these animals were suffering before they were rescued.”

Natasha, Daya’s mum added: “We are really proud of Daya’s achievement. She stayed really committed to it throughout the month which was great to see!”

You can still support Daya’s cause by visiting: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/daya-30km.