Charity boost with ‘fizzy fund-raiser’

Simple - invite all of your school friends to a Macmillan Lemonade Morning instead.

That’s what High Oakham Primary School student Ben Wilkinson did after his parents attended a ‘grown up’ event to raise cash for the cancer charity.

At first Ben decided to donate his pocket money to the charity, before deciding to launch his own event instead.

Ben enrolled fellow school councillor Emily Keating in the project - held on Saturday 11th October - and raised almost £243 for Macmillan.

Between them they distributed more than 100 flyers and persuaded grown ups to produce a host of tasty treats for the child-friendly fund-raiser.

They also enrolled Emily’s 12-year-old sister Lucy to help man the cake stalls, while Ben’s five-year-old brother Max was put on scone-making duty.

And proud mum Paula said the whole community got behind the event.

She said: “Ben asked if he could use his own spending money to make a donation to help the charity and the idea grew from there.

“Ben and Emily spoke to their family and friends and managed to get lots of delicious cakes and biscuits made and raffle prizes were also donated by neighbours and parents’ work colleagues.

“The whole community really got behind the event - it was brilliant.”

PICTURED: Youngsters at the event (top) and Ben and Emily with a cheque for £242.70 for Macmillan Cancer Support.