Six-year-old adventurer from Milton Keynes prepares to climb England’s highest mountain for a cause close to her heart

Hiking enthusiast Miryana – who is also known as Mia – is gathering sponsors for her 978 metre climb to the top of Scafell Pike in the Lake District.

The young adventurer – who has already taken on the neighbouring Old Man of Coniston alongside her dad Rob and friend Rosie - has set a target of £2,000 to help fund restoration work on the pagoda at Willen Lake which will be celebrating its 45th anniversary next year.

The structure was built by nuns and monks of the Buddhist order Nipponzan Myohoji, next to the Buddhist temple. It is the first of its kind in the Western Hemisphere and represents peace and unity.

Dad Rob says Mia has a strong connection with the pagoda.

He added: “Mia loves the peacefulness and beauty of the Milton Keynes Peace Pagoda. She enjoys spending time in the gardens and with the nuns and monks, whom she considers friends and who have played such a positive role in her life so far.

“For us, it’s a place of tranquillity and community. It's a location where Mia has many friends and is fully involved with helping at events and day-to-day activities at the temple.

“She wanted to find a way to help out and came up with the idea of hiking to raise funds all on her own. Her mum and I try to support her with all her ideas. Mia is very determined and loves a challenge.”

The youngster’s challenge – during which she will be supported by Rob and her mum Delyana – will take place at the end of August.

Mia explained her affinity with the pagoda: "I love playing at the Peace Pagoda and being with my friends, but mostly my friend, Sister Maruta, who is very funny. It's so pretty and magical there. I want to help take care of it so everyone can enjoy it. Hiking to Scafell Pike will be fun, and I hope to raise some money to help out!"

Visit Mia’s Just Giving page to donate to her cause.