Mirfield double amputee to take on second challenge in memory of Captain Sir Tom Moore

Amazing Maisie raised almost £12,000 last year when she walked 26 miles in 10 days on her blades.

Now Maisie, 11, of Mirfield, is going to repeat the feat - but this time she wants to complete the distance in fewer days.

That’s no easy task as Maisie is busy with home schooling and a full day of lessons from Mirfield Free Grammar.

Mum Sharon, 44, said: “Maisie was a little bit sad about the passing of Capt Sir Tom and asked what she could do as a tribute to him.

“It couldn’t be anything else but a walk, like Capt Sir Tom, but I warned her it wouldn’t be as easy this time because of home schooling.

“But Maisie wasn’t deterred and is hoping to do it quicker this time.”

Maisie, who is joined on her walks by little brother Finlay, aged seven, has a target of walking five miles a day.

Maisie can only walk short distances so her walks are bite-sized and spread throughout the day.

Home-schooling runs from 8.30am to 3pm and it’s a full day, including a live lesson for every subject.

So Maisie has a walk before school and after school and then after the family meal in the evening.

She might finish the day on the treadmill though she’d rather be outside.

“It’s too boring on the treadmill,” said Maisie.

Maisie, who lost her legs as a result of meningitis and septicaemia as a baby, raised just short of £12,000 for LimbPower, a charity which helps amputees reach their sporting potential.

This time she’s raising funds for YoungMinds as her walk coincides with Children’s Mental Health Week.

Like Capt Sir Tom, who raised a staggering £3 million for NHS charities and earned a knighthood in the process, Maisie smashed her original fundraising target of £260.

Sharon hasn’t set a target but has lowered Maisie’s expectations this time.

“It’s a different time now,” said Sharon. “A lot of people have lost their jobs and are struggling. We’ve been blown away by people’s kindness.”

To donate go to www.justgiving.com/Maisie-Cat