Earlier this week MM reported on a rather outstanding little girl from Warrington who is running 26 separate miles to raise money for Children with Cancer UK.
On Tuesday Holly McHugh completed the third mile of her challenge at MediaCityUK in Salford alongside former Olympic champion Chris Boardman MBE.
For each mile, six-year-old Holly will be accompanied by a different running partner and she’s now set her sights on One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson.
And who could refuse that cheeky grin?
Holly’s marathon challenge began after she was inspired by her mum Sue, who is taking part in the London Marathon for the third time this year.
SUCCESS! Holly celebrates her third mile with cycling legend Chris Boardman
Together, Holly and Chris ran six laps of the piazza in the battering wind and rain, cheered on by family, friends and even a host of burly security staff.
RACE IS ON! Holly and Chris running their mile at MediaCityUK
“I’m actually perspiring a bit,” said Chris as they crossed the finish line. “That felt longer than a mile – I’ll be having a word with the adjudicator!”
READY FOR ACTION: Holly and brother Eddie raring to go
But beaming Holly, dressed in head-to-toe pink complete with leg-warmers, barely looked out of breath.
In fact, she’d run her fastest mile yet in 11 minutes and 26 seconds.
So, does Chris think Holly has what it takes to be an athlete when she grows up?
LONG ROAD AHEAD: Holly and her mum Sue before mile one
“Oh, yes. That was getting on the verge of embarrassing,” he joked.
While the atmosphere was one of fun and celebration, some were evidently moved by Holly’s determination to help others.
A woman from a café overlooking the piazza was reduced to tears by the sight and rushed out afterwards with congratulatory cake.
Holly will be running another mile at Media City on March 7 alongside BBC sports presenter Mike Bushell.
The support of such famous faces is a huge boost to their fundraising campaign, but adorable Holly only has eyes for Louis!
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