Youngsters go the extra mile for Agewell
Two big-hearted Sandwell youngsters have been following in their mother’s footsteps by supporting Agewell during the latest lockdown.
11-year-old Grace and her 10-year-old brother, Jack, decided to put their spare time to good use by raising funds and much-needed donations for Agewell while their schools were closed.
Their mum, Amy, is a Business Support Officer at Agewell, co-ordinating the Telephone Tree which ensures around 100 isolated and vulnerable older people are contacted weekly by phone.
Grace, who’s in Year 7 at The Earls High School, began asking her family, friends and neighbours for donations of non-perishable food items and the response was amazing.
She’s collected bags and bags of tinned food, rice, pasta, tea bags and other goods from people in her street and around her neighbourhood and the donations keep coming.
In recognition of her efforts, Grace was awarded a Care & Partnership badge and certificate by her school.
All the items Grace collects are stored at Agewell’s shop at Sandwell Hospital and are given to those in need.
Amy explains: “Hospital staff let us know when someone vulnerable is being discharged and we give them a food parcel to make sure they have the basics when they arrive home. If any of the Agewell team know someone in need, it’s good to know we have a bank of food which can help them.”
Grace’s younger brother, Jack, has raised over £325 for Agewell so far. The Year 5 pupil at Cradley CofE Primary School challenged himself to run 50 miles during February and even managed to complete his target before the month ended.
Jack is a keen football player, usually playing for Cookley Lions on a Saturday and Tividale on a Sunday. When lockdown meant all training and matches stopped, Jack was determined to keep his fitness up.
He ran several times a week after home-schooling, sometimes up to six miles at a time, in all weathers. Many people have supported his superb effort and donations are still coming in through his JustGiving page.
“I know from first-hand experience what a difference Agewell makes to the lives of older people in Sandwell,” adds Amy.
“So many isolated and vulnerable older people have really been struggling during lockdown and I’m so proud that Grace and Jack have been helping to make life a bit better for them.”
If you’ve got an idea for a fundraising event or activity or would like to make a donation to Agewell, please email us here or call us on 0121 796 9333. Any support you can provide will help us deliver more services to more local, older people.