Thakeham schoolgirl, 10, launches NHS fundraiser in memory of her big sister

Ten-year-old Sophia Wilton lost her big sister Ellie Thornton in March 2017.

Mum Kerry said Sophia had since ‘really struggled’ after seeing Ellie in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at St George’s Hospital in London where she was airlifted after the accident.

But during lockdown Sophia, a pupil at Wisborough Green Primary School, decided she would do something to help the NHS by painting pictures and selling them on a little table outside her home.

And in a message to staff at St George’s, mum Kerry said: “She has done this with you guys in mind because you were so kind to her, us and, of course, Ellie.”

She added: “I am immensely proud (of Sophia) as I have seen how hard she has found it but she just wants to help.”

And staff at St George’s have spoken of their gratitude. In a message on social media they told mum Kerry: “It is so great to hear how she is fundraising for the NHS. Thank you Sophia. We will always remember your big sister. xxx”

So far Sophia’s paintings have raised more than £430 and she is now planning to do more. She lists art as one of her favourite subjects at school ‘because it’s fun.’

People have been donating directly and also online on a justgiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kerry-wilton1Funds will go to the Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust. On the page Sophia says: “This is in memory of my big sister Ellie.” And she adds: “Not only angels have wings our NHS staff do too.”

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