The Sick Children’s Trust Thanks Local Schoolgirl For Giving A ‘Helping Hand’

An inspirational schoolgirl is being thanked by charity The Sick Children’s Trust for her overwhelming support making a difference to families with sick children in hospital.

Hannah Warburton, seven, from Whitley Bay, is a little girl on a mission. For the last two years she had dedicated her time outside of the classroom to helping others. The Sick Children’s Trust is just one charity Hannah has chosen to help by fundraising and donating gifts to families with seriously ill children at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary and Freeman Hospital.

‘Hannah’s Helping Hand’ was inspired by her older brother, Adam, who has spent lots of time in hospital over the years because of cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Initially, Hannah raised money for charities supporting children with disabilities, but has since chosen other charities who she feels need help. Hannah says:

“I love my brother Adam so much and wanted to help in some way, and I thought raising money for poorly children was something I could do. I just want to help people. Everyone will need a helping hand and I want to be there for as many people as I can.”

Mum Katy, who supports Hannah with her fundraising activities, says:

“Hannah loves doing her bit for others; it just seems to be who she is. She enjoys choosing charities, and dreaming up new ways to help. She would do twice as much as she already does but has to fit in school sometimes! She doesn't show any signs of slowing down and her total raised is now over £2,000.

“Not only does Hannah’s fundraising help many others, it also helps Hannah a lot. As she gets older we tell her more about her brother’s disabilities and she takes it all in her stride. Her brother has been a huge motivation for her to fundraise – she would do anything for Adam.

“The reason Hannah chose The Sick Children’s Trust was because her baby cousin spent several weeks in hospital and we talked about what we, as a family, have needed during the times Adam has been in hospital for long stays. So Hannah decided she would fundraise for the ‘Homes from Home’ in Newcastle and help families with seriously ill children stay together.”

The Sick Children’s Trust runs ten ‘Homes from Home’ across the country, supporting families with sick children in hospital. It costs the charity £30 to support a family for one night in ‘Home from Home’ accommodation, and the charity is completely reliant on voluntary donations. The charity runs Scott House at Freeman Hospital and Crawford House at the RVI in Newcastle. The Sick Children’s Trust Scott House Manager, Andrew Leadbitter, says:

“When we heard about Hannah and all she had been doing, we were absolutely thrilled she chose to fundraise for us! She brightened up so many families’ days when she visited Scott House and went to Crawford House with arms full of gifts which she had been busily collecting over the last couple of months. It was a lovely moment to see such thoughtfulness and generosity.

“Hannah is a true inspiration and has made a difference to so many families who have seriously ill children in hospital, and we can’t thank her enough for that. We wish Hannah all the best with her future in fundraising – we know she’ll make a difference to thousand more people.”

To find out more about Hannah’s Helping Hand, visit: www.hannahshelpinghand.wordpress.com