Kind Lilli scoots to raise charity cash

Thoughtful Lilli Haslam asked for donations for Save The Children instead of gifts when she celebrated her birthday.

Then, after hearing about devastation wreaked in the Philippines by Typhoon Haiyan, she rallied classmates at Selston Church of England School to join her in a sponsored scooter ride in aid of the disaster relief fund.

Mum Lucy Smith, a teaching assistant, said: “Lilli collected about £105 instead of birthday presents at a Halloween-themed fancy dress party to celebrate her birthday on 30th October.

“Earlier this month she was watching news coverage of events unflolding in the Philippines and was shocked at aerial pictures which showed areas before and after the typhoon struck.

“She said the disaster was so sad because it was such a beautiful place, and that she wished she could have a birthday every day so she could buy all the families affected new houses.”

Eventually Lilli decided to hold a ‘scooterthon’ to raise cash for victims, which was supported by the school and involved 22 other pupils.

The youngsters scooted for an hour at Selston Leisure Centre and have so far collected more than £300 for their efforts.

Lilli’s actions have left her parents Lucy and Dan, an upholsterer, and the rest of the family Sam (11), Summer (14), Maisie (16) and Jake (21), who live in Jacksdale, full of admiration.

Lucy said: “All parents are proud of their children but all the family is beaming with pride over what Lilli has done.

“We’ve always been quite open about differences and the difficultities that people face.

“She is such a kind girl who is always thinking of others who aren’t as lucky as she is.”