Kentish Express Ashford & District
Fundraising four-year-old proves a p-p-perfect friend
A four-year old-girl donned a penguin costume for seven hours to raise funds for her school friend who is allergic to the sun.
Beatrice Myers has raised an impressive £550 for the Teddington Trust, a charity set up by the family of Eddison Miller, from Kingsnorth, who has the rare condition xeroderma pigmentosum (XP).
As a result, Eddison can’t go outside in sunlight without protective clothing as his skin is intolerant to ultraviolet rays.
Sue Myers, Beatrice’s mum, said: “We met Eddison’s family through church and Beatrice and Eddison became good friends.
“They now go to the same school, Kingsnorth Primary.
“They held an assembly about Little Teds and Beatrice came home and said she would like to raise funds to send one.”
One of the projects set up by the Teddington Trust, Little Ted, sees story books, written by Eddison’s mum, Nicola, and teddies wearing bespoke UV reactive clothing, sent to children around the world who also have XP.
The money raised by Beatrice at a cake sale held at Tesco, Park Farm, which also saw her wear the penguin outfit, will enable two packs to be sent.
Mrs Myers added: “Including online donations Beatrice managed to raise £550, smashing her original target of £180 and her next target of £360. “We are so proud of her. “Beatrice actually ended up wearing her outfit for just over seven hours!”