Gosport girl, 5, scoots 26 miles for Ickle Pickles charity which helped her premature brother

Five-year-old Maisy Brotherton-Smillie completed a 26-mile scooter challenge across seven days to help Ickle Pickles, which raises funds for sick and premature babies.

In January, Maisy’s baby brother Brody was born seven weeks early to parents Kirsty Smillie and Scott Brotherton and had to spend his first few weeks in intensive care at Queen Alexandra Hospital.

During Brody’s time in hospital, the charity supported the family and even gave Maisy a book about why her brother was born early.

After being inspired by people taking on the 2.6 challenge, Maisy decided she wanted to put her scooter to good use and has raised nearly £600 for Ickle Pickles so far.

Kirsty, 37, said: ‘She wanted to raise £100 and within a day it had doubled to £200.

‘Children are always the first ones to come up with nice ideas - sometimes adults can get a bit consumed with negativity and worry. I just thought it was a really lovely idea, I got quite choked up.

‘I’m very proud of her and when she finished it I was quite emotional. It really shows how much she does care for her baby brother.’

Kirsty, who was surprised with the amount her daughter has raised, is really enjoying spending time with the pair of them while Maisy is off school.

‘It was a blessing in disguise because she could be at home with me and Brody and we could do such lovely things together,’ said Kirsty.

‘She’s been absolutely adorable with her brother, singing to him and reading stories. We’re really embracing this time together.’

A source of support when Brody was born came from other mums, some of whom Kirsty met through Ickle Pickles.

She said: ‘The support I have received from the mums I met in the neonatal ward has been so amazing, they have kept me strong during such worrying times at the beginning.

They have become my NICU sisters and life long friends. Kelly, Catherine and Sarah especially who have held my hand over messages of support and love.’

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/maisy-s-2-6-challenge2021.

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