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Six-year-old from Gillingham set to raise £1,000 for One Big Family homeless charity in Medway

A girl is set to raise £1,000 for a homeless shelter after she saw a man sitting outside a Tesco.

Isabella Bernini, from Gillingham, has raised £983 for One Big Family by walking a mile a day for seven days.

Isabella Bernini is on track to raise £1,000 for the charity. Picture: Jenny Richards
Isabella Bernini is on track to raise £1,000 for the charity. Picture: Jenny Richards

As Isabella and her mum, Claire Bernini, left the supermarket in Courteney Road, Gillingham, they noticed a man sitting outside.

The six-year-old asked why he didn't have a home, and why he was sitting outside.

Claire explained the man was homeless, which proved to be inspirational to Isabella, who was eager to help in away she could.

They decided to try to raise £50 to buy some goods for him.

However, once Claire posted the idea on Facebook, they became inundated with donations from friends and family.

Part of the money will go to the individual who inspired Isabella. Picture: Jenny Richards
Part of the money will go to the individual who inspired Isabella. Picture: Jenny Richards

Claire said: "We were blown away by the support that we've got from everybody who have been so kind in such difficult times.

"Obviously there are a lot more people out there who are much worse off than others, but it's hard for every business, person and family at the moment.

Within days the fundraising pair had smashed their £50 target and are now on course to raise £1,000.

Claire added: "I don't even think she understands how much money she has actually raised. I keep trying to explain to her how well she has done.

"I'm just so, so proud of her, and for her to actually suggest it, was just amazing. She asks me to drive past every day to see how he is.

"She asks me to drive past every day to see how he is."

"The minute she gets in from school she puts her coat on and we go out for the walk straight away."

They will donate the bulk of the cash to the charity but will use part of the donations to buy the man, who initially inspired Isabella to begin fundraising, essential items and food.

To donate to the charity, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

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