A 10-YEAR-OLD girl from Writtle Junior School has raised more than £210 for Farleigh Hospice's bereavement service as a thank you for the help they gave her family after her grandfather died.
Eden Baldock attended a session with Farleigh's Yo Yo bereavement service for young people, and afterwards asked the hospice if she could take a charity collection pot to school to raise money for the service.
But head teacher Nick Taylor went one step further and organised a non-uniform day, without telling Eden and her family that the proceeds would be going towards Farleigh's bereavement service.
"The school sent letters home to parents telling them what was going on, but we just thought it was a non-uniform day," explained Eden's mum Leah Perry, 34.
"We were really touched, especially my mum. My dad would have been so proud of her, he was very close to my children, and they went to see him when he was ill in hospital with stomach cancer. But he absolutely wouldn't expect anything less of Eden; she is just one of those children who wants to help people."
All 212 students at Writtle Junior School took part in the non-uniform day, raising just over £212 for the charity, while many other students at the school have also made use of Farleigh's Yo Yo team.
"I always wanted to help them because they always help other people, and give them support when they need it," said Eden.
"I never thought I would get so much money, I hoped I would maybe raise £50."
A cheque for the money raised was presented by Eden to Farleigh Hospice's community fundraising manager, Christine Hogben, at a special school assembly.
"The service provides someone for kids to talk to, and we also do craft work, which can help them open up. It's just so lovely that children want to give something back," Ms Hogben said.
"We have been running the Yo Yo service since 2006, before then it was a bit taboo to talk to children about bereavement."
The service supports children, aged four to 18, who are facing a loss or have been bereaved, and also offers information and support to people working with children dealing with these issues.
Mr Taylor added: "It is absolutely incredible that she has raised the money, and she is a credit to the whole school community."
