A Dalbeattie youngster is putting in the miles to show support for Afghan families fleeing to Scotland.
Nine-year-old Lucy Johnstone is taking part in a British Red Cross challenge to help refugees.
She decided to walk 22 miles after reading the book When Stars are Scattered by Omar Mohamed.
Lucy said: “Omar was just a kid like me when he and his younger brother Hassan went to live in a refugee camp in Kenya.
“I then learned more about refugees all over the world and I really want to help them.”
The book inspired Lucy to find out more about those already living in the area and she has prepared bags of her own clothes for three children due to arrive from Afghanistan.
She added: “It’s got a dressing gown in there in case they get cold.”
The Red Cross campaign Miles for Refugees encourages people to run, cycle or swim one of six distances during September to highlight the life-risking journeys asylum seekers are forced to take.
Funds will support people as they go through the asylum application process.
Scotland Director at the British Red Cross Marie Hayes said: “People fleeing their countries have experienced the worst things in life, from war to persecution and extreme famine.
“We have seen just how heartbreaking these journeys have been for Afghan families recently arriving in the UK.
“The British Red Cross is calling for a kinder, more compassionate asylum system to support people who have been forced to leave their homes behind and take dangerous journeys.
“We believe every refugee matters.
To sign up to the campaign, visit https://miles.redcross.org.uk/
