A NINE-YEAR-OLD girl who single-handedly raised more than £600 for Farleigh Hospice finished the year by arranging for her school choir to pop along to sing for the patients.
Mollie Tuff was joined by her friends from Barnes Farm Junior School to bring some festive cheer to the day centre in Broomfield last Tuesday.
The youngster took it upon herself to write to the facility asking if pupils could visit as they have made a CD of Christmas songs which they are selling in aid of the hospice.
She said: "I thought it would be nice if we could sing to the patients and they could hear the songs we have recorded on the CD. I'm so pleased they said yes."
Mum Nikki, who works at the hospice as a physiotherapist, said: "We are quite a sporty family so at the start of the year Mollie, inspired by the Olympics, asked if she could take part in the three main fundraising events we run each year, plus the swimathon held in South Woodham Ferrers, which she completed in aid of Farleigh.
"I obtained all the forms and signed her up and she started collecting sponsorship."
Mollie's marathon began in March when she completed 22 lengths of the South Woodham Ferrers pool as part of a Farleigh team that also included Nikki.
Next she was joined by the rest of her family – Nikki, dad Adrian and sister Jessica, 6 , on the Walk for Life in May, which was a 10.5-kilometre route.
The Cycle for Life followed in September, when Adrian accompanied Mollie on the 20k route, and finally the whole family took part in the Santa Fun Run – a 4k run around Central Park and Admirals Park – on December 9.
Mollie, who lives in Chelmer Village and plays in the junior team at Chelmsford Hockey Club, as well as taking part in karate, cricket and Cubs, was thrilled when her school suggested making the charity Christmas CD.
Teacher at Barnes Farm Kathryn Pomeroy explained: "We recorded the CD in the school hall and a friend of mine, Ben Steinitz, who is senior audio engineer at the National Theatre, volunteered to record the children singing and mixed the CD for us.
"So far we have sold over 170 copies and we still have more orders coming in to school.
"It's been great to see the parents once again get behind the school and this project to help us raise money for such a worthwhile charity. The total raised at the last count was £340.
"We are really proud of Mollie. It's lovely to see a young member of our school community really demonstrate the values of our school and some true Christmas spirit!"
Mollie's total stands at £602.50, but donations can still be made at www.justgiving.com/mollie-tuff
