Shielding student raises funds for local hospice

As the world went into lockdown, 15 year old Jess Saint used her creative skills to make decorative discs and sold her works of arts in aid of Farleigh Hospice, raising £238.

Jess from Chelmsford, and a student of Boswells School, set up a stall outside her home, encouraging passers-by’s to take one of the beautifully handcrafted discs in return for a donation for Farleigh.

“When we went into the lockdown I started making the discs. I like art, and it helped give me something to focus on and an escape from all the Covid-19 news. I then thought it would be nice to sell them and raise money for the hospice. My Dad made me a table, and we asked people to post their donations through the letterbox, as we were shielding, and we didn’t want to handle money. We also had postal orders from family and friends. Throughout March and June, I made 100 discs and raised £238.

Jess’s Mum Amanda said: “We were inspired to support Farleigh Hospice because four years ago they cared for my Dad, he had pancreatic cancer. Initially, he went into Farleigh for respite care, and then they provided end of life care. They did a fantastic job, caring for the whole family.

Alison Stevens, Chief Executive of Farleigh Hospice said: “All our doctors, nurses and health care professionals have been so inspired by the amazing support of our community. We are very grateful to Jess for thinking of Farleigh Hospice during the pandemic and for raising so much money for the hospice, even though, as a family they were shielding.”

For more information on how you can fundraise for Farleigh Hospice visit https://www.farleighhospice.org/fundraise