Eight-year-old hailed as fundraising hero

A CHILDREN’S charity has praised an eightyear-old from Bolsterstone after she raised over £500 and pledged to continue her hard work.

Mayzie Tatchell, a pupil at Deepcar St John’s School, has been awarded the bronze silver and gold badges by Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and labelled a “fundraising hero”.

But Mayzie has found out there’s also a platinum badge on offer and is already working on ideas to reach the top level.

She raised £503.12 through a raffle and coffee morning held at her school and canvassed retailers in Penistone to generate prizes. With teacher supervision, she sold tickets at the school gates, at her grandma’s birthday party and through her mum’s Facebook account.

Mayzie’s parents, Laura Todd and Jonny Tatchell, are understandably very proud of their daughter.

Laura told Look Local: “Mayzie said she wanted to raise some money for toys for the charity but when I explained how the hospice worked, she decided to donate the money towards the running of the centre.

“She spoke to the retailers in Penistone herself and they were great – she got fantastic support. The school were helpful too.”

Mayzie commented: “My favourite part was drawing the raffle. We got lots of prizes from Penistone and I’d like to thank them, as well as the people that bought tickets. I wanted to raise money for children and I want to do something even bigger next time. I got a big hug off one of the mum’s and a thank you letter from Bluebell Wood.

Gail Parkin, community fundraiser for Bluebell Wood said: “We’d love to thank Mayzie for coming down to Bluebell Wood with the money that she raised – it was a fantastic amount. We’re so proud of you here at Bluebell Wood. The amazing donation willreally help to continue to provide fantastic care and support for our children and their families.”

Anyone who wants to help Mayzie reach herplatinum fundraising status can contact her nan, Sharon, at sharonmarshall285@hotmail. co.uk