Eleven-year old Amelie Anderson hasn't been fazed by the restrictions imposed by COVID-19, causing thousands of children across the country to study from home in recent months.

This weekend, Amelie from Richmond completed a sponsored walk between Tower Bridge and Hampton Court Palace.

The 26-mile walk (42km) was the length of a full marathon and is in aid of the Save A Child's Heart charity.

"The heart of a healthy 12-year old girl beats approximately 60,000 times every 12 hours," explained Amelie ahead of her walk.

"My goal is to walk 60,000 steps to raise £11,500 to enable a child from a developing country to undergo life-saving heart surgery."

Next summer, on turning 12, Amelie will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah, a Jewish celebration and rite of passage marking the coming of age of a young woman.

"I wanted to do something meaningful to mark this occasion, that will make a positive difference in other children's lives," said Amelie.

"I heard about the work of Save A Child's Heart, and how they bring children, with heart problems, from developing countries around the world to Israel and give them an operation that they wouldn't have been able to receive in their home country, to help them live, with a healthy heart. I think that's amazing!"

The amount of £11,500 ($15,000) covers all medical care, as well as travel and accommodation for a child and a family member during the child's stay at Save A Child's Heart.

Amelie corresponded with 13-year old Abay, from Ethiopia who recently underwent successful heart surgery with Save A Child's Heart.

"We discovered that we both enjoy Maths," says Amelie, relating how, thanks to her surgery, Abay now looks forward to pursuing her dream of one day becoming a teacher.

Her mum, Chloe, who is a doctor, said, "Despite the unprecedented challenges we are facing as a result of COVID-19, we shouldn't forget the millions of children around the world who are suffering from life-threatening conditions, and who need urgent help."

"I am so proud that Amelie is marking this special milestone in her life by doing something to make such a profound difference to the life of another child and their family."

Additional funds will go towards her next goal: putting a second child through life-saving heart surgery.

You can donate to Amelie's fundraising page here.