The heartwarming actions of a five-year-old girl just hours after the death of her mum have sparked a fundraising appeal to support her.

Aaron Fuller, 28, was in McDonald's with his three-year-old son Jack when Phoebe Jefferson walked over to play with him.

But moments later the postman was left fighting back tears after learning of the little girl's recent loss.

"She was the sweetest, kindest little girl, sitting with her grandparents," he said.
"She comes over and sits next to Jack, showing him how to play and draw.

"Then she asked what nursery he goes to, so I explained, and then asked the little girl herself.

"She turned around and said 'I was going to school, but I have to move school now because my mother died just last night'. She had a little tear in her eye.

"Before she left, she came over and gave Jack a pack of Smarties."

After the emotional encounter, single dad Mr Fuller, who lives in Chestfield, decided he wanted to do something to give Phoebe a treat.

He started an online fundraising page with a modest target of £300, which was reached in a matter of hours. A week on, it has now topped £1,500.

"Phoebe's so young, and lost a big part of her life," he said. "She's a sweet little girl who's just lost her mother, and her father's not around.

"It’s amazing how she held everything together and shared her loss with me and my son, and how she was willing to share a little something with Jack to put a smile on his face. I found it heartbreaking."

"I've upped the target every day, and every day it's been met. The amount people have put in already is amazing. It just shows how the community can really come together in sad times like this."

Phoebe lived in Ramsgate with her mum Vikki, but will now move to Reculver to live with her grandparents, Janet and Eric Jefferson.

"We've just been overwhelmed by the fundraising," said Janet. "It's wonderful, especially for Phoebe who's going to benefit in the long-run.

"We'd like to thank everyone for their support."

Phoebe's grandparents have met with Mr Fuller to discuss how the money will be spent.

Mrs Jefferson says some of the money will go toward's her daughter's funeral costs, and to the Special Care Baby Unit at QEQM hospital, which Vikki supported after Phoebe spent time there after she was born.

"The rest will go towards Phoebe's future, to her education, and whatever she needs," she said.

To donate, visit the Facebook page here.