A YOUNG girl from Ellesmere Port is walking hundreds of miles in aid of a cause close to her heart.

Six-year-old Heidi Barker, from great Sutton, is taking on the challenge of walking the equivalent distance between Land's End and John O'Groats – a total of 603 miles.

Heidi is doing the challenge because her great uncle Ian, who she is incredibly fond of, has sadly recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

Heidi Barker, six, is tackling a virtual walk from Lands End to John OGroats in aid of Alzheimers Research UK.

Heidi Barker, six, is tackling a virtual walk from Land's End to John O'Groats in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

She decided she wanted to do something to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK and to have an adventure at the same time. She loves walking and loves learning about history, culture and people.

Having started on March 17, Heidi is heading along Cornwall towards Devon on her virtual walk so far, having clocked up the miles by walking to and from school during term time, and taking part in longer walks on the weekends.

As she passes each 'town' along the way, she will learn new things about that town or the people from it.

Heidi Barker, six, is tackling a virtual walk from Lands End to John OGroats in aid of Alzheimers Research UK.

Heidi Barker, six, is tackling a virtual walk from Land's End to John O'Groats in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

She has had fantastic support so far, with former England footballer Chris Sutton tweeting a message of support for her, while fans of Tranmere Rovers Football Club have donated funds. She also spoke to Chester station Dee Radio.

Having set an original target of £1,000, Heidi has zoomed past that and her new target is £3,000, having raised over £2,000 from online and offline donations.

Heidi, who heads out with her bright orange Alzheimer's Research UK T-shirt and a collection bucket on her longer walks, said: “I am really enjoying this adventure.

Heidi Barker, six, is tackling a virtual walk from Lands End to John OGroats in aid of Alzheimers Research UK.

Heidi Barker, six, is tackling a virtual walk from Land's End to John O'Groats in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.

"I have met lots of lovely people on my walks and hope to meet lots more. I have been for a walk in the dark. I really enjoyed being on the radio.

"I want to raise a lot of money so that I can help my great uncle Ian and other people like him.”

Heidi is being supported in her challenge by proud parents David and Claire Barker, with Claire running the Facebook page Heidi's walk for Alzheimer's.