Tavistock eight-year-old takes on epic challenge to support Dartmoor rescue team
Olivia Ball, from Tavistock, undertook on a major fundraising challenge for Dartmoor Search and Rescue, with family and friends joining her along the 35km route from Okehampton
An eight-year-old girl from West Devon has walked 35km from Okehampton to Tavistock to raise money for Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team (DSRT) - Tavistock.
Olivia Ball, whose mum Becks Ball is a member of DSRT, took on the challenge after hearing about another young girl who had completed a charity walk at the beginning of the year.
After the story was discussed in her school, Olivia came home and told her mum: “Mummy I want to walk from Okehampton to Tavistock and raise money for your team.”
She then spent several months training, including walks along the South West Coast Path, to build up her strength and endurance.
Olivia began her walk at Okehampton railway station on Saturday, 18 July, walking with her dad along the Granite Way.
The pair took a detour over Sourton Tor before continuing to Lydford Caravan and Camping, where a night’s stay had been donated to support the fundraising challenge.
Olivia continued towards Tavistock the following morning, taking another detour to Gibbett Hill before heading into the town.
She also stopped to watch the Tavistock Carnival before completing the final part of her journey and arriving home in Tavistock.
In total, Olivia walked 35km and raised £300 for Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team - Tavistock, a volunteer-run team which helps people in difficulty on Dartmoor.
Family and friends joined Olivia at different points during the weekend to support her.
Her five-year-old brother Lucas also played his part, walking and cycling along the route to bring her snacks and water.
For Olivia, one of the highlights came towards the end of the challenge.
“Olivia's favourite moment was coming over Gibbett Hill and meeting her family with banners and snacks to help motivate her to finish her challenge,” Olivia’s mum Becks said.
The family said they hoped Olivia’s achievement would encourage other children to set themselves challenges and get outdoors.
“I would like to thank my daughter for being the most amazing person and hopefully inspiring other children to get out and take on a challenge of their own,” Becks added.
The £300 raised will go to Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team – Tavistock, which relies on volunteers to help keep people safe on the moors and assist in bringing them home to their loved ones when they are in need.