Peterborough children raise £1k for charity supporting rough sleepers by selling jewellery

When lockdown began Esme Thorp told mum Emma that she wanted to sell some bracelets she was making. Deciding on a local cause, the jewellery was to raise money for Light Project Peterborough.

Esme and Sebastian Thorp were then joined by Stanley and Angus Muirhead who were all isolating together in Ufford and attend Barnack primary and pre school. They spent hours creating different necklaces and bracelets around their school work.

Starting off with odd bits and bobs they already had, they quickly realised they needed more materials! As donations piled in, the children ‘upped their game’ by buying more supplies to create their jewellery, including special beads and nicer clasps.

Expecting only relatives and family friends to buy the jewellery, the talented team thought they would only raise around £100. So they were surprised when they set up their JustGiving page and everyone rallied around them, including school friends, teachers and strangers!

From 69 donations, the children managed to raise £1,170 for the cause.

Proud mum Lizzie couldn’t believe how well the children have done. She said: “People have donated huge amounts of money! Everyone has at least donated £5 and some have donated £50.

“We thought with so many to make they might get bored but it didn’t work out that way at all. It’s amazing as in years to come they can look back on this and say they did something kind with their best friends!”

Inspired by their very first fundraiser, the children still want to help other charities. They now want to sell starfish!