AN 11-year-old girl has kayaked from Seaview to Sandown as the latest part of her quest to raise money for the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary.

Sophie Lawton, who is autistic, has long delighted in nature and animals, with birds having a particularly important place in her heart.

Having recently completed the sponsored kayak journey from Seaview to the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary's Culver Parade base, Sophie has raised £655 to date, with a JustGiving page available for donations online.

The Sanctuary, pre-Covid, allowed Zoobies – a group for children on the spectrum – to play, interact and showcase interests, while also offering presentations from autistic adults about how they’ve successfully managed their lives.

Lawrence Bates, the Sanctuary’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “Dear Sophie, thank you for your incredible and compassionate work to raise money for the Sanctuary. 

"You’ve truly got the Wildheart spirit and are an inspiration for us all! We’d love to arrange for you to visit us soon, so our animals can thank you in person.”

Isle of Wight County Press: The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is now welcoming visitors again.The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary is now welcoming visitors again.

Sophie has a strong bond with the former Isle of Wight Zoo, having met her idol, naturalist Chris Packham CBE, at the location.

When the pandemic hit, Sophie worried the Sanctuary would be unable to afford to feed the animals without the regular footfall income, prompting her to raise money on its behalf.

Her Facebook page – Sophie Lawton’s nature profile – now has more than 300 followers, while a JustGiving page target of £500 has recently been met.

As well as kayaking, Sophie raised money through a cake sale from her front garden and next plans to walk around the coastline of the Island in stages during the summer holidays.

Her father, Ian, said: "We’re immensely proud of Sophie, she has the kindest heart going and what she has achieved so far is incredible."