The heartfelt fundraising efforts of four schoolgirls has inspired a £500 donation all the way from the Falkland Islands.
Ten-year-olds Lucy Sheppard, Milly Marshall, Anna Latham and Charlotte Morgan decided to support the Down’s Syndrome Association because Lucy’s sister Amy, eight, has the condition.
The girls, who live in Ellesmere, Cockshutt, Nesscliffe and Shrewsbury, held a special assembly for fellow pupils at Shrewsbury Junior High School and organised a week of fundraising events which raised £375.
News of their initiative reached the Falklands through Charlotte’s father, who was serving abroad with the armed forces.
He was so impressed that he approached the British Services South Atlantic Islands Charity Committee which agreed to give a £500 donation.
The girls now have a total of £875 to present to the charity’s representative, Georgie Dawson, 17, a member of Shropshire Down’s Syndrome Support Group. Chris Davis, school secretary, said: “We are so proud of the girls. This charity is particularly close to the girls’ hearts as one of the pupils, Lucy, has an eight-year-old sister, Amy, who has Down’s Syndrome.
“The girls felt strongly that people don’t know very much about Down’s Syndrome so held a special assembly at school to explain what it is and how their fellow pupils could help.”
The girls are all in year six at Shrewsbury Junior High School and have been friends for a long time.
Sarah Sheppard, mum of Lucy and Amy, said: “All the parents are really proud that they have decided to do something off their own backs. They are great friends outside of school and all know Amy very well, they have known her all their lives.”
Sarah is chairman of the Shropshire support group for Down’s Syndrome and said anyone who wanted to know more could contact her on 01939 270477.
