Enterprising eight-year-old rsaises over £600 for hearing dogs charity

An eight-year-old girl from Fangfoss has raised £640 for a charity close to her heart by selling homemade jewellery at the Fangfest arts and crafts celebration.

Sophia Richardson, who is a pupil at St Martins Church of England Primary School, began supporting Hearing Dogs for Deaf People at Fangfest three years ago after meeting several volunteer dog trainers for the charity from her village.

In 2022, disappointed that she was unable to have her own stall at the festival, Sophia’s dad Gareth stepped in and suggested setting out a table on their drive with some small items to sell and an honesty box to take payment.

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In the first year she raised £40, and in 2023, with a similar stall and a little social media support, she raised £160. This year, she took up the offer of the Carpenter’s Arms landlady to set up in her pub car park and, with the help of her dad Gareth, raised an impressive £640 selling loom bracelets she had made herself, bubbles and other items.

Sophia, who has raised hundreds for charity with her homemade braceletsSophia, who has raised hundreds for charity with her homemade bracelets
Sophia, who has raised hundreds for charity with her homemade bracelets

Dad Gareth explained why Sophia wanted to support Hearing Dogs for Deaf People: “Hearing Dogs felt like a really kind charity to her, and she loved to be able to see the puppies-in-training in real life with the volunteers from our village.

“I don’t think Sophia really appreciates what she has achieved. What’s more important to her is that she’s helping. For Sophia it’s all about helping.”

Martin Peagam, Community Fundraising Manager for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, said he was touched that Sophia had chosen to raised funds for the charity: “Hearing dogs transform the lives of deaf people of all ages, but especially children. Sophia is amazing; not only has she raised over £600, but she has also inspired others. The money she has raised will be a huge help in allowing us to create more life-changing partnerships in Yorkshire and beyond.”

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On Sophia’s behalf, her dad Gareth also messaged local businesses, asking them to donate to her fundraising appeal. Local company, Harsh UK, donated £100 and invited Sophia and her dad to visit their offices.

Sophia's homemade braceletsSophia's homemade bracelets
Sophia's homemade bracelets

Adam Hargreaves, Managing Director of Harsh UK, said: “When we received the heartfelt email from Sophia’s dad Gareth, we were delighted to donate £100 to Sophia’s Loom Bracelets fundraiser.

“It’s always uplifting to hear stories of young individuals like Sophia taking the initiative to raise money for such a worthy cause. Her incredible fundraising achievements to date, along with her ambitious plans to surpass that amount this year, are truly inspiring.”

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