Special gift for big-hearted three-year-old Evalyn-Grace

Dr Kershaw's Hospice was inundated with messages of support after news of the theft of the Hospice van went viral on social media.

However, staff were most taken by the actions of three-year-old Evalyn-Grace Leach.

Evalyn-Grace, whose grandad was cared for at the Hospice in 2017, donated £12.38 in pocket money – money she had been saving up to buy a Baby Annabelle doll.

She said she wanted the money to be used to “buy a new camper van”.

Pround parent Kimberley Leach said said: “We are so proud of how loving, kind and thoughtful Evalyn can be.

"Even though she is young, she is very aware of the feelings of others.

“Evalyn earns her pocket money by helping around the house and is working hard to buy a Baby Annabelle. 

"She knows how important the work of Dr Kershaw's is to poorly people as her Grandma Christine (Aspin) and Grandad Jeff (Leach) were both cared for there.

“When she heard about what had happened she replied, 'Well, I will save two pennies and give the rest to Dr Kershaw's to buy a new campervan'."

After hearing about the wonderful donation of her pocket money to the Hospice after their van was stolen, Wavemaker Global kindly presented a Baby Annabelle doll to Evalyn-Grace.

The three-year-old was delighted to see the doll.

Mum Kim said: “When you are kind to others, people are kind to you.".

Wavemaker Global have continually supported the Hospice, hosting a bake off in aid of Dr Kershaw’s and Breast Cancer Now as well as a bike-athon pedalling 500 miles on two bikes in their office from to their Paris office.

WM Global have so far raised £1432.98 for the Hospice.

The Hospice’s stolen van was eventually recovered 16 hours later on a housing estate in Rochdale.

The van, used to take collection of donations and to distribute goods around the five Hospice shops, was off the road for a few days while OMC Ford Oldham – who donated the vehicle – assessed the damage.

David Whaley, Income Generation and Communications Manager at the Hospice, said: “Evalyn-Grace’s knowledge of the Hospice belies her years and to see such generosity was very heartening for the team who were both shocked and angry that someone would target such a caring organisation in this way.”

Meanwhile, from October 29 to November 2, Dr Kershaw’s Hospice will be hosting their Will Week, encouraging people to make a will and ensure their family’s future.

During the Will Week, specially selected local solicitors give their time to prepare or amend your will and donate their fee to provide patient care at Dr Kershaw's Hospice.

Solicitors taking part this year include Garratt, Cuttle & Co, Harold Stock & Co, Norcorss Lees & Riches, Wrigley Claydon, Pearson and North Ainley.

Simply choose a solicitor, give them a call, make an appointment and let them guide you through the process of making your will.

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