AN INSPIRATIONAL schoolgirl is taking on the ultimate challenge of giving up sweets, chocolate and sugary treats for a month to raise money for Brighton Housing Trust’s First Base Day Centre.

Zoe Byrne, ten, who attends Mile Oak Primary School, was determined to help the people she was seeing on the streets but she wanted to make sure that what she did would make a difference.

She set about creating a fundraising action plan and visited First Base Day Centre to find out what she could do to help.

Zoe launched her challenge in a school assembly and is halfway through.

She is determined to raise £1,000.

Every penny Zoe raises will go directly towards supporting people who are street homeless in the city.

First Base Day Centre provides a range of support, from basic necessities such as food, health services, showers and laundry facilities, to advice and training to help people access secure accommodation and find employment.

Zoe’s mum, Vicky McFarlane, said: “I’m really proud of Zoe.

“She is the one who has made this happen.

“She’s very motivated to make a difference to as many people’s lives as possible.”

To sponsor Zoe, visit her JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising /Zoe-Byrne1.