A BARNSLEY girl has smashed her fundraising goal for a cause close to her heart and earned a Young Champions nomination in the process.

It’s safe to say Emily Gillott’s boots were made for walking, with the youngster completing a 50-mile trek in aid of Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

The 15-year-old completed the challenge in February, exceeding her original goal by 16 miles - without even realising it.

While most youngsters look forward to relaxing on a holiday, Emily didn’t even let a family get-away to Ireland stand in the way of her goal.

Emily’s impressive dedication saw part of her mileage completed before she even reached Ireland, walking around the boat.

She blew her original £150 goal out of the water, netting over £700 for the hospital.

The teenager’s inspiration for the challenge came from the almost lifelong support of the hospital.( Emily had two life saving operations for hydrocephalus at only a couple of months old.

The illness left Emily permanently disabled, with cerebral palsy and wearing a leg splint.

Despite finding walking challenging, Emily hasn’t let anything slow her down from reaching her fundraising goal.

Emily’s grandma, Lynn, said: “She’s gone to the hospital since she was tiny and had multiple operations, she could’ve died.

“The operations had lifelong effects on Emily, with her having cerebral palsy.

“It’s her second time doing the challenge, she raised hundreds of pounds the first time, but exceeded her goal even more this time round.

“We’re always proud of her, she faces every challenge and her life isn’t easy.

“February isn’t the best of months to do it, there’s been snow and rain and walking in the dark, but that’s part of the challenge.

“There’s not been one day where she’s said she doesn’t want to do it.

“We’re very proud and everyone has supported her, which has boosted her confidence.”