Date published: 17 June 2019 by Anna Jackson
A six-year-old ‘chatterbox’ from Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, remained tight-lipped for a six-hour sponsored silence, raising £500 for families with a seriously ill child.
Lucy Freegard liked the name of Rainbow Trust and was further inspired to raise money for it after reading some of the family stories on the charity’s website. She achieved her challenge at home on Sunday 26 May.
“Lucy told me she wanted to raise money for children’s charities and we looked at various ones,” her mother Sarah said.
“She liked the idea of Rainbow Trust and it was the name that drew her to it and I told her more about the charity and she liked it.”
Armed with a biro to pen any requests for her family, Lucy passed the time playing charades, drawing rainbows, playing on the trampoline in the garden and reading.
“She was jumping for joy on the trampoline after she completed it, she was so pleased with herself,” Sarah said.
“She’s the biggest chatterbox and whenever she asked people for sponsorship they all laughed, in a nice way, thinking she wouldn’t be able to do it because Lucy does love to chat. We are so proud of her. Just the fact that she raised any money at all is fantastic and the more awareness we can help raise for Rainbow Trust the better.”
Lucy said the time passed quicker than she expected and said:
“I found it tough, but I was very determined to do it. I am really happy because I have raised money for seriously ill children and their families.”
Sarah said:
“Every time Lucy had been sponsored she got so excited, you would have thought she was getting the money in her own pocket. She enjoyed raising money that much it brought her so much joy and excitement, long may that continue.”
Oonagh Goodman, Director of Fundraising and Marketing said:
“What a wonderful and inspiring challenge Lucy set herself. We are very grateful and proud that she dedicated her six hours of silence to Rainbow Trust. All the money raised will help families caring for a seriously ill child across England, making a vital difference when they need it most.”
