'Remarkable' seven-year-old turns £21 money box savings into £1,000 charity donation
When seven-year-old Caitlyn Maclean decided to donate her money box savings to vulnerable children, it was the ultimate act of kindness.
But the thoughtful primary school pupil didn’t stop there.
Caitlyn, who goes to Newton Bluecoat Church of England Primary School in Newton with Scales, decided to raise more than her £21.36 savings by setting up a fundraising competition in
aid of Brian House Children’s Hospice.
With the help of her mum, Vicky Maclean, she designed a prize draw and asked family and friends to enter it.
Vicky, of Dowbridge Way, Kirkham, said: “Together we made a number chart and put everyone’s name in a box and pulled out a winner.
“Caitlyn listed her prizes which were the money she had saved, a portrait of the winner drawn by her, some chocolate and jokes.
“I helped her set up a Just Giving page and she chose Brian House Children’s Hospice.
“Friends and family were so supportive donating and then having their names added to her competition draw chart.”
Caitlyn held the prize draw on November 14 and was delighted to raise more than £1,000 for the hospice on Low Moor Road in Bispham.
She said: “The prize draw was so much fun and went really well.
“I hope the money donated will help lots of children and their families.”
And Caitlyn was even more surprised when the winners gave back their prize money to be donated to the charity.
Vicky added: “She has managed to hit her ultimate target of £1,000 for Brian House Children’s Hospice which is such a great achievement, we are so proud of her.
“During challenging times charities need more support than ever as they are not getting the vital fundraising from large events they would normally hold due to coronavirus restrictions.
“Hopefully Caitlyn can inspire other people to help raise much needed funds.”
Michelle Lonican, community fundraising manager for Brian House Children’s Hospice, said: “There aren’t many children her age who would give up their hard-earned pocket money to
support local vulnerable children.
“We are so grateful for everything this remarkable young lady has done.
“Caitlyn’s jokes have certainly given us a chuckle at Brian House. ”
- Caitlyn shares one of her jokes for our readers:
Question: What do you call a fairy that doesn’t wash?
Answer: Stinkabell
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