Schoolgirl sells seashells for charity

May 8, 2019 by Leigh-on-sea.com

A school girl has raised money for a local hospice charity by creating and selling seaside themed arts and crafts.

Nine-year old Lilly Murray from Chalkwell, started collecting shells and pebbles when she was walking along the seafront with her parents. She then used her finds to create photo frames, trinket boxes and decorative stones which she sold at her “Shell Shop” to raise vital funds for Havens Hospices. 

The charity, which includes Fair Havens Hospice, Little Havens Hospice and The J’s Hospice, is there for adults, children, young people across Essex with life-limiting illnesses and their families. Havens Hospices relies on the kindness of its supporters, like Lilly, who fundraise to help them continue providing free, specialist care for as long as it’s needed within the home, in the community and at the two hospices.

Lilly, who attends Alleyn Court Preparatory School in Great Wakering, didn’t just stop at selling her arts and crafts to friends and family, she packed up her “Shell Shop” and took it with her on holiday to Cornwall; where she worked with the Hotel Manager to raise awareness and more money for Havens Hospices.

Lilly explained, “My school always raises money for Havens Hospices after we learnt more about the charity. When I decided to make some crafts from the shells, I’d collected from Chalkwell Beach, I thought it would be a nice idea to raise money for them because I wanted to help them help people who are poorly and brighten their day. It was so exciting when I found out that I’d raised £70 for them, because I thought maybe I’d get £45 at the most!”

Havens Hospices Community Fundraiser Emma Young added “When we heard about Lilly’s fundraising, we thought it was such an inventive way to fundraise and we’re hoping that it will inspire others to fundraise. Whether you hold a sponsored silence, bake sale or get creative like Lilly you’ll be making a huge difference for everyone who needs us.  Every pound that is raised helps us continue ‘Making every day count’ for as long as we’re needed.” 

If you’ve been inspired by Lilly’s fundraising and want to find out how you can fundraise your way for Havens Hospices please visit – www.havenshospices.org.uk/fundraise