A CARING little girl is preparing to cycle ten miles to help people escaping the conflict in Ukraine.
Sofia Shah, seven, said hearing about Russia’s invasion made her feel “very sad” for the people in Ukraine.
She decided to help by cycling from her home on Shoreham Beach to Bramber Castle, near Steyning, along the River Adur and back again.
Sofia, who is a pupil at Lancing College Prep School in Worthing, has already raised more than £400 for the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
She set out to raise just £250.
Sofia’s parents Hina and Keval said they were “very proud” of their daughter.
Hina said: “Sofia was so ecstatic when I updated her on the fundraiser. It’s just made her so determined to do it, and she really wants to.
“She’s just really proud of herself for setting this target and for trying to do some good and raise money.
“The community have been amazing but people who we don’t even know have also donated and they have been leaving such nice messages.
“For me to read those messages from people who are independent, who have so much faith in her and are encouraging her to do it, it’s just so lovely.
“I think it will also help some other children to realise that these things are possible, and that they can do something like this too.”
As news of the invasion spread across the world, Hina said it was difficult to know how much to share with Sofia.
But she says the bike ride has been a good way to channel those concerns into something positive.
Hina said: “My husband sat down with her and explained exactly what was happening and she genuinely felt so worried for all the people in Ukraine.
“I think she realised that, if she was in that position, she would hope that someone would help her and that’s what made her determined to do something.”
Sofia will set off on the ten-mile trip with her dad Keval on Saturday morning.
To donate to her fundraiser, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sofia-shah10miles
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