Kindness. That is the motto for Mental Health Awareness Week 2020.
And kindness is something we have seen displayed by some remarkable young people living through remarkable times.
Youngsters sometimes, unfairly, get a bad press in some media. But at Stand Up For Southport we want to celebrate the inspirational children who are going out of their way during the coronavirus outbreak to help others.
These are difficult times for our children. Schools have seen most classes suspended, with pupils unsure when they will see their close friends again. Lockdown has placed huge restrictions on their ability to get out and have fun. During Mental Health Week (May 18-24), it is time to reflect just what our young people must be going through.
And it is time to highlight some of the amazing youngsters who are doing so much to help others:
Harry Wareing
A kind-hearted schoolboy determined to cycle 200 miles during May to raise money for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU Unit) at Southport Hospital has already raised over £1,000!
Determined youngster Harry Wareing started his mission three weeks ago and has since attracted the backing of 75 well-wishers who have kindly donated £1,042.
The 11-year-old pupil at Farnborough Road Junior School in Birkdale said he began cycling while fundraising so he can “give something back to the NHS”.
Read More: Schoolboy cyclist smashes £1,000 mark in Southport Hospital ICU appeal
Sienna Aldred
A schoolgirl who spends her free time busking for charity and entertaining the vulnerable has been singled out for praise by the Pride of Britain Awards.
The organisers of the awards used their official Facebook page to share a video of Astrid Smith singing as part of their campaign to recognise unsung heroes.
The video, which features the 10-year-old singing her charity version of Coldplay single Fix You, received great feedback including comments describing her as “wonderful”, “amazing”, and “absolutely stunning”.
Another user described her as a “star in the making” but it was also the good work she does that caught the attention of the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain team.
A post alongside the video read: “Meet 10-year-old Astrid who is on her way to being a superstar! She started busking two years ago for charity and she raised over £300 for the Whitechapel Centre for the homeless in Liverpool.
“She is also the Youth Ambassador for Stemcell Scousers for the Anthony Nolan Trust.
“She usually spends her free time entertaining the residents at nearby care homes and disability centres but as lockdown is keeping her home she decided to record Coldplay’s classic Fix You to raise money for the NHS Charities Together fund.
“We think we’ll all be hearing a lot more in the future from this talented young star who has a heart of gold.”
Pearle Johnson
A schoolgirl with a heart of gold has raised hundreds of pounds for people suffering from the impact of coronavirus by hosting her very own birthday disco!
Pearle Johnson’s Charity Birthday Disco, which was streamed on Facebook Live, has already raised £530. Now other people are being invited to support her fundraising drive to help others.
The youngster attends Churchtown Primary School and her ‘Disco Time With DJ PJ’ event was a lovely way to connect with friends she is missing during the coronavirus lockdown.
Read More: Pearle’s Charity Birthday Disco raises hundreds of pounds for people hit by coronavirus
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