Nine-year-old Bella skips her way to £1,670 for Macmillan Cancer Support

A BIG-hearted young girl from Donagheady has skipped her way into local recognition after raising an incredible £1,670 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Nine-year-old Bella Mehaffey set herself the goal of completing 100 skips every day throughout October as part of a fundraising challenge, and she not only kept her promise but far exceeded her expectations.

Over the month, Bella completed an impressive 3,100 skips in total.

Her mum, Kirsty Mehaffey, said the idea all began with a simple question during a family drive.

“We were out driving one day and she saw people with Foyle Hospice T-shirts on them and she asked me, ‘What’s that?’” Kirsty explained.

“I told her it was people raising money to help others, and she said, ‘I want to raise money to help people.’”

After doing some research, Kirsty discovered that the Foyle Hospice was organising a skipping challenge for October.

She signed Bella up, and the determined schoolgirl jumped straight into action.

“I asked her how much she wanted to raise and she said £150, which she has far surpassed,” her mum said proudly.

“We have neighbours who are going through cancer treatment, and others who’ve been helped by Macmillan. I think that’s why Bella chose this charity.”

Every day - rain or shine - Bella picked up her skipping rope alongside her dad, Marty.

“They did it every day, whether it was in the morning or the evening,” said Kirsty.

“Even on stormy days, she was out there, sometimes in her pyjamas! The only day she missed was when we went to Belfast for a concert, but she made up for it by doing 200 skips the next day.”

Support for Bella’s challenge poured in from family, friends and the local community.

Kirsty even donated her salon tips from her clients to the cause, and neighbours on their street chipped in generously.

All of Bella’s efforts have paid off, quite literally.

She now holds the top spot on the UK leaderboard for funds raised in the challenge.

“Bella feels very proud of herself,” said Kirsty. “It’s starting to hit home what she’s done and how many people can benefit from it. She’s made a difference.”

To mark the end of the challenge, the schoolgirl completed her final 100 skips on Halloween night, surrounded by her friends under a sky lit with fireworks, a fitting celebration of her dedication and kindness.

“It was really nice and emotional,” her mum added. “We’re just so proud of her, especially because she wanted to do this all on her own.”

Looking ahead, Bella is already thinking about her next challenge.

She hopes to take part in a Foyle Hospice walk or even a fun run in the future.

Kirsty also extended heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported Bella’s efforts.

“Everyone who could donate, did. Even people we don’t know gave money after my sister shared the fundraiser online. We’re so grateful," she concluded.

Bella’s fundraiser remains open until November 14, and donations can still be made via her fundraising link at:

ocialsync.app/fundraiser/cr-rq3951mq1od61