SCHOOL GIRL TURNS HOBBY INTO FUNDRAISER  

A book-crazy Great Barr school girl has been named this week’s Charity Champion after her love of reading raised over £300 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.  

Six-year-old Fae, who started this term at Holy Name Catholic Primary School, organised her own read-a-thon over the six week summer holiday to raise vital funds for the charity’s £2million Critical Journeys Appeal.

Fae’s 31-year-old mother, Nicky Brown, said: “Last year, Fae’s little sister's nursery, Fairytales Nursery, fundraised for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity and so she decided she wanted to go one step further over the summer holidays before she started Year 2, and organised her own read-a-thon event.

“Fae read over 20 books in the six-week period including Matilda and the Holly Webb series. She read in the mornings, in the car, at night, she read to her younger brother and sister plus went into their nursery to read to the whole class.

“She received sponsorship from her family, friends and the local community. Everyone has been really generous and we’re incredibly grateful. Our current total is £330.14 but we’re still counting!”

Fae has chosen that her cash boost will go towards the charity’s Critical Journeys Appeal, which has just £250k to go to reach its target.

The £2million appeal intends to revamp the hospital’s fleet of four KIDS/NTS critical care ambulances, which ensures critically ill children get to the right place, at the right time, for the right treatment.

Nicky added: “We hope that our fundraising will go on to help children and families who need it the most. We are very lucky to be healthy and happy and wish that for others, too.” 

Serena Daw, Public Fundraising Manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “It’s inspirational to hear how Fae has turned to fundraising to do more for our sick kids. The money her read-a-thon has raised will go towards our Critical Journeys Appeal which is SO close to its £2million target that every single penny really does count.

“If you’d like to help the 2,000 babies, children and young people moved by our critical care ambulances each year, then please consider supporting the appeal. Whether you can donate £5 or £50, your donation could take us over the line.”