A Big Challenge for a Big Cause
While most nine-year-olds spend their school holidays playing in the park or watching TV, Layla is preparing for something extraordinary. She’s about to embark on one of the UK’s toughest long-distance hikes – the Pennine Way, a grueling 268-mile trek from Derbyshire to the Scottish Borders. But Layla isn’t just doing this for adventure; she’s hiking to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), determined to help children battling serious illnesses.
“I love proving that children can take on big challenges too,” she says. “And if I can do it while raising money for a great cause, then it’s even better.”
An Early Love for the Outdoors
Layla’s passion for adventure started young. With family ties to the Peak District, she’s spent years exploring the countryside and has already conquered the National Three Peaks Challenge – climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon in just 24 hours. Now, she’s setting her sights even higher with a 15-day trek along the Pennine Way.
“It’s definitely my biggest adventure yet,” she admits. “I know there will be tough moments, but I’m excited to explore new places every day.”
A Cause Close to Her Heart
Layla chose to support Great Ormond Street Hospital because of their incredible work caring for seriously ill children.
“I know that some kids spend months – even years – in hospital, missing out on school and playtime,” she explains. “I hope that by taking on this challenge, I can raise money to support their vital work and make a difference.”
Training for the Trek
To prepare for the challenge, Layla has been hiking regularly in the Peak District, building stamina with triathlon training, and even incorporating long walks into her daily routine.
“One of the most fun training sessions was when I walked 3.5 hours to a playdate with my best friend,” she laughs. “Even though it was raining the whole time, it was a great way to train and have fun at the same time.”
Her essential gear includes a map, snacks, a journal, and an audiobook of Lord of the Rings to keep her entertained along the way. But her most treasured item? A soft, squishy avocado toy that she carries everywhere.
Walking with Family and Friends
Layla won’t be walking alone. She’ll be joined by her mum and dad, and some of her school friends and teachers will also walk parts of the trail with her.
“I love spending time with my parents, and this time I’ll have all their attention on me, which makes this adventure even more special,” she says.
One of the highlights she’s most excited about is visiting Malham Cove, a stunning limestone formation made famous by the Harry Potter films. But the toughest part? The final 28-mile stretch to the finish line, which will start in the middle of the night.
A Message for Other Young Adventurers
A Message for Other Young AdventurersLayla hopes her journey will inspire other young people to take on challenges of their own.
“My message is simple: Don’t overthink it – just go for it! Believe in yourself, take that first step, and enjoy every moment,” she says.
She has already raised £1,764 from 53 supporters and is confident she’ll reach her target by the time she completes her trek on April 18th.
If you’d like to support Layla’s incredible journey, you can donate to her JustGiving page.
Now, let’s hear from Layla herself in our full interview below:
A Big Adventure for a Big Cause
Layla, what made you decide to take on such an incredible challenge at just 9 years old?
Last year, I did the National Three Peaks and absolutely loved it! It was tough, but I felt so proud when I finished, especially knowing I had raised money to help others. That made me want to take on something even bigger. The Pennine Way is one of the hardest trails in the UK, and when I heard about it, I thought, “That sounds like an amazing adventure!” I love proving that children can take on big challenges too, and if I can do it while raising money for a great cause, then it’s even better.
Have you always loved hiking and the outdoors, and is this your biggest adventure yet?
I’ve loved the outdoors for as long as I can remember! My grandparents live in the Peak District, so I’m really lucky because I get to visit them in the school holidays and go on amazing circular walks with my family. The views are always different depending on the time of year, and I love spotting wildlife along the way. But this is definitely my biggest adventure yet – 268 miles in 15 days is a huge challenge! I know there will be tough moments, but I’m so excited to explore new places every day.
What inspired you to support Great Ormond Street Hospital, and why is this cause so close to your heart?
I decided to support Great Ormond Street Hospital because I want to help children who are facing tough battles. I know that some kids spend months- even years – in hospital, missing out on things like school, playtime, and just being kids. When I learned about the amazing work GOSH does to care for seriously ill children and support their families, I knew I had to do something to help. I hope that by taking on this challenge, I can raise money to support their vital work and make a difference for the kids and families who are going through such difficult times.
What message do you hope to share with others through your journey?
If you’re thinking about taking on a challenge, my message is simple: don’t overthink it – just go for it! It’s easy to get stuck wondering if you’re capable or if it’ll be too hard, but the most important thing is to believe in yourself and take that first step. If something means a lot to you, never give up on it, no matter how tough it seems. No matter what challenge you take on, remember to enjoy every moment and have fun – that’s what makes the adventure truly special.
Getting Ready for the Challenge
How have you been preparing for the hike? Have you done any special training?
To prepare for the Pennine Way, I’ve been doing lots of walking and hiking in the Peak District. I recently did the Edale Horseshoe walk, which was incredible and really helped me build strength for the trail. I also make sure to stay active by training with my triathlon club, where I focus on running, cycling, and swimming to build stamina. On top of that, I do fencing twice a week, which makes my legs strong and ready for the long days ahead. One of the most fun training sessions was when I walked to a playdate with one of my best friends. It took 3.5 hours to get to her house, and even though it was raining the whole time, I really enjoyed chatting and walking with my parents. It was a great way to combine training with fun.
What essentials will you be packing for your adventure?
For my adventure on the Pennine Way, I’ll be packing a small backpack with the essentials I’ll need along the way. One thing I can’t leave behind is my soft, squishy avocado toy – it’ll be my little companion throughout the journey! I’m bringing a journal to jot down my thoughts and experiences, and I can’t wait to dive into my reading book – I’m currently reading Lord of the Rings and am so excited to listen to the audiobook while I walk! I’ll also have a map to help me navigate and plenty of snacks like dates and nuts to keep me fuelled during the hike. My headphones are coming along too, so I can enjoy my stories while walking through the beautiful countryside.
A huge thank you to Ellis Brigham, who kindly gifted me a headtorch that doubles as a lantern – perfect for cosy evenings when I’ll be reading and relaxing after a long day of walking. But honestly, I’m so lucky because my dad will be doing all the heavy lifting – carrying the spare clothes, shoes, first aid kits, camera, and everything else we need. I know I couldn’t do this without him, and I’m so grateful for all his support. Thank you, Dad, for making this adventure even more special!
Who will be joining you on this journey, and how do you plan to support each other along the way?
I’m so lucky to have my mum and dad joining me on this adventure. My dad completed the Pennine Way when he was 18 in just 11 days, which I still don’t know how he managed, but my dad is strong, and so am I! Since he knows the trail, he’ll help us navigate the tricky parts and hopefully steer us clear of the bogs! We’ll talk, play Harry Potter trivia, and take plenty of rests along the way. I’ve been looking forward to this for so long, I honestly can’t wait to get started!
Dad has reminded me that it’s okay if it gets tough – he says that a good night’s sleep in a warm, dry place makes all the difference, and that’s something I’m definitely going to appreciate! I love spending time with my parents, and this time I’ll have all their unwavering attention on me, which makes this adventure even more special. I’m so excited to see what’s ahead!
The Journey Ahead
What part of the Pennine Way are you most looking forward to, and is there anything you think will be the biggest challenge?
I’m really looking forward to all of it but especially having my school friends join me on some parts of the trail. Even my school teacher will be there to support me, and I feel so grateful to have such loving and kind people around me. I’m also excited about being reunited with my grandparents somewhere along the journey, which will be so special.
In terms of the journey itself, I’m really excited to see Malham Cove. As a huge Harry Potter fan, I can’t wait to visit the place where some parts of the films were shot, with its amazing limestone cliffs. It’s going to be so magical to experience it in real life!
The biggest challenge will definitely be the last day, walking 28 miles from Byrness to Kirk Yetholm. We’ll have to start around 2-3 am to finish in good time, and that’s where my headtorch will come in handy. We’ll set off early so I can take plenty of breaks if I need them. My dad has also warned me that Hadrian’s Wall will be tough because it’s so up and down – it’s going to be relentless, but I know we’ll power through it together!
How will you stay motivated during the tough moments? Do you have any special songs, mantras, or treats to keep your spirits up?
When things get tough, I’ll stay motivated by remembering why I’m doing this – to support Great Ormond Street Hospital and the kids who really need help. Every step will be for them, and that will keep me going! I’ll also remind myself that the tough moments are just part of the adventure, and after a good rest, we’ll be back on track.
As for songs or mantras, I love to listen to audiobooks while I walk, and right now, I’m really into Lord of the Rings. It’ll be a great way to keep my mind distracted and entertained. My favourite saying is “One step at a time” – it helps me remember that even the longest journey is made up of small, manageable steps. And of course, treats like dates, nuts, and chocolate will definitely help lift my spirits when I need a boost. Plus, I’ll be surrounded by my mum and dad, who always know how to keep me smiling, even when I feel tired!
Making a Difference
How can people support your fundraising efforts and help you reach your goal?
People can support my fundraising efforts by donating to my JustGiving page. Every penny counts and goes directly to Great Ormond Street Hospital, helping them continue their life-saving work for children in need. I believe that even small donations can make a huge difference, and I’m so grateful for any support!
You can also spread the word about my challenge – share my page with friends, family, or anyone who might want to support such an important cause. The more people know about the journey, the more we can raise to help the kids and families at the hospital.
I’ll be sharing updates along the way too, so people can follow my adventure, cheer me on, and see the difference we’re making together!
Thank you so much for supporting me – it means the world!
Have you received any encouraging messages from friends, family, or even strangers?
I’ve been so lucky to receive lots of encouraging messages from friends, family, and even strangers! One of the most exciting moments was receiving a signed card from Mo Farah, who told me that “Anything Is Possible” – it honestly made my day! I’ve also had support from Alastair Humphreys and Christina, the YouTube blogger behind “Hiker Sheep,” who walked the Pennine Way, as well as my teammates from my fencing club and triathlon club. My teachers, neighbours, and even strangers have all sent messages of support, and it’s been so heartwarming to know that so many people are cheering me on. I’m also grateful for the support from my local MP. One of my friends even donated her own pocket money, which I thought was so sweet! A big thank you to Ellis Brigham for helping me get the right gear for this adventure. I really appreciate their support! Every message reminds me that I’m not just doing this for myself, but for the children and families at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and I’m so grateful to have such amazing support. So far, I’ve raised £1,764 from 53 supporters, and I’m confident I’ll reach my goal by the time I finish my walk on the 18th of April!
Have there been any fun or unexpected moments in your fundraising journey so far?
Yes, there have definitely been some fun and unexpected moments! One of the sweetest surprises was when one of my friends donated her own pocket money, which I thought was so thoughtful and kind. I’ve also had people I barely know offering to donate, which has been really surprising and heartwarming. I’ve been keeping in touch with Great Ormond Street Hospital too, and they’ve been so supportive – always checking in to see if there’s anything they can do. They even sent me a couple of shirts, which I’m planning to wear during my hike to help raise awareness along the way!
Inspiring Others
Do you think this challenge will inspire you to take on more adventures in the future?
It’s funny you ask, because I haven’t even started the Pennine Way yet, but I’m already thinking about what’s next! I’m hoping to take on another hike, maybe the Coast to Coast. While we won’t be camping on the Pennine Way, I’d love to camp on my next adventure. And of course, it will definitely be another fundraising challenge, because there’s something so special about having an adventure while also helping others! I’m already excited to see where this journey leads and what I can do next to make a difference. Also, I’m sure there have been other kids around my age who’ve completed the Pennine Way, but it’s not something that’s really recorded or celebrated. I’d love to change that and inspire other young people to take on big challenges too. Who knows, maybe I can even become the youngest person to complete the Pennine Way in 15 days! That would be an incredible accomplishment, and I hope it encourages others to push themselves and believe in what they can achieve.
What would you say to other young people who dream of taking on a challenge for a good cause?
I would say go for it! Don’t be afraid to dream big and take on a challenge, no matter how tough it seems. You don’t have to be an expert or be the fastest – what matters is your heart and determination. If you’re doing it for a good cause, like helping others, it makes every step worth it. It’s okay to feel nervous or unsure at first, but remember, with hard work, support from others, and a positive attitude, you can achieve amazing things! The journey will teach you so much, and the impact you make will be even bigger than you imagined. So believe in yourself, take the first step, and go for it!
Final Thoughts
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your journey, your cause, or what this challenge means to you?
I just want to say how incredibly grateful I am for all the support I’ve received from my family, friends, and even strangers – it really means the world to me. This journey is so much more than just hiking; it’s about making a difference for the children and families at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Every step I take on the Pennine Way will be for them, and knowing I’m helping in some way keeps me motivated even when it gets tough.
This challenge also reminds me of how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful country, with incredible landscapes like the Pennine Way right on our doorstep. I’m excited to experience all of it, have fun along the way, and show other kids that they can achieve amazing things, no matter their age.
Thank you again to everyone who has supported me and donated. This is just the beginning of many adventures to come, and I’m so happy to be able to share it with all of you.
Also, a big thank you to you for asking such interesting and thoughtful questions. It was a pleasure to share my journey with you!