More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Young political minds have been out exercising to raise money for a vital hospice service.
Over the past few weeks, 14 Dartford Youth Council members took part in a 1km-plus fundraising walk to raise money for hospice charity ellenor, which provides care for people of all ages facing terminal illness, and their families, in north Kent and Bexley.
The walk was completed independently by members, or with individuals within their household.
The youngsters asked people to sponsor them through a JustGiving page, raising £325. It was part of ellenor’s Accumulator challenge, where groups are encouraged to turn £50 into as much as they can for the hospice, which is the only one in Kent to provide care for people of all ages with services such as pain and symptom relief, palliative care, bereavement support and emotional and spiritual help.
Newly-elected DYC member and participant Rejina Ghale said: “It was genuinely so lovely to do this, especially in these circumstances. Hopefully there will be more to look forward to in the future.”
Melissa Bourne, ellenor supporter engagement officer, worked closely with the group to make the walk possible. She said: “It is wonderful to see such an enthusiastic group of students from around Dartford keen to take on a fundraising challenge for their local hospice.
"Having met the students virtually to give them some inspiration earlier this year, they decided on their challenge, set up a JustGiving page and were obviously fantastic at gaining sponsorship as they raised a brilliant £325.
"The walk was a brilliant way for all of the students to take part as they could do this on their own or as part of a family group.
"The funds raised from the walk could help ellenor to provide six hours of physiotherapy to support a patient at home.
"Fundraising has been extremely difficult this year, but the students were able to come up with a brilliant idea that they were able to adapt to suit the restrictions they faced. I am very much looking forward to seeing what other innovative fundraising ideas they come up with over the next few months.”
Dartford Youth Council is a group of young people aged 18 and under who get involved within their community, work alongside Dartford Borough Council, making a difference through campaigning and volunteering and gaining skills that could benefit themselves for the rest of their lives.
DYC vice chairman Zapran Carlsson said: “It was a great delight to see so many of our members participating in the fundraising walk for ellenor. Together, we raised an exceptional amount of £325 in total, an amount far greater than what we had hoped for. Well done everybody!”
To find out more, or to make a donation, visit www.dartfordyouthcouncil.com.
