Oakwood Junior School pupil Freya Cushley, 11, has presented a cheque for £500 to Friends of the Baby Unit, a charity that supports Royal Derby Hospital’s neonatal unit which looked after her brother when he was born.
Freya was supported by her school and good friend Amelie to organise two cake sales and to raffle off a Christmas chocolate hamper to raise the money throughout the year.
“I’ve been fundraising for Friends of the Baby Unit for almost five years now because my brother, now seven, was looked after by them when he was born so it means a lot to me,” she said.
Freya also helps her mum, Jess, with events at weekends to continue the fundraising and said she has learned a lot through the process.
She said: “Organising the events at school was really fun but it did make me think about all the things needed, like organising the timings, the rooms and making sure everyone knew about it. It has been a really good experience.”
Head teacher CT Atwal said Freya’s commitment to organising the events had been brilliant.
“Freya has been very entrepreneurial in raising the funds and has shown great leadership skills during this venture. She led an assembly with me and presented the rationale for the fund-raising to the whole school. I’m very proud of Freya and the amount of money that has been raised.”
Freya’s mum said “I’m so proud of Freya for her part in raising both funds and awareness for the charity. She is always keen to support in any way she can.
“The support we received from the NICU team was invaluable when our son required help with his breathing at birth, the care and dedication of the staff was incredible.
“The money raised by Oakwood Junior School is being put towards the refurbishment of the family room/play area, a room Freya frequently visited and enjoyed during her brothers stay.”
