A teenager who raised thousands of pounds for a children’s charity has received an award for her dedication.
Aimee Wright, from St Leonards, has been supporting Demelza Hospice Care for Children for many years as her brother Jordan, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, uses the charity’s services.
The 16-year-old has raised more than £5,000 by organising events at her former school, Helenswood Academy, where she was deputy head girl in her final year.
Aimee, of Thomas Brassey Close, regularly arranged fundraising days for the whole school, with events including balloon releases, cake sales, a staff talent competition, dance and singing contests.
She also made a Tree of Hope for people to hang leaves on and persuaded five of her teachers to take part in the Hastings Half Marathon to support Demelza last year. Helenswood staff nominated her for the Child of Sussex Award and she won the Community Award category for her fundraising.
Aimee, who is now a student at Bexhill College, as is 18-year-old Jordan, received her award at a glittering ceremony held at The Grand Hotel, Brighton on Friday, October 31.
Her mum Sarah, brother Jordan and several of Aimee’s former teachers also attended the event. Sarah Wright said: “Aimee has always supported Demelza because they do so much for Jordan and the family. We are really proud of her and she was honoured to receive the award. It was a really lovely evening.”
Now both Aimee and Jordan are at college together they plan to do more fundraising for Demelza.
Demelza Hospice Care for Children was started by Derek and Jennifer Phillips in memory of their daughter, Demelza, who sadly died at the age of 24. There is a 10-bed hospice in Sittingbourne, Kent,providing a large range of hospice and care services to children, young people and their families. Log onto www.demelza.org.uk or www.facebook.com/demelzahospice for more information.