Meet the schoolgirl who raised over £200 to send special treats to hard-working Sunderland Royal Hospital and St Cuthbert's Hospice staff

Fearne Hilton, from Washington, wanted to thank doctors and nurses at the Royal, as well as carers at St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham, by sending them sweets, treats and drinks to help get them through difficult shifts.

Asking the community for donations, Fearne was able to raise just over £200 to treat key workers.

She also sent them a letter thanking them for their hard work during the crisis.

Redby Academy pupil Fearne was inspired to support the key workers by her auntie, who works as a nurse at the Sunderland Royal Hospital, and her godmother who is a nurse at St Cuthberts’ Hospice.

Her gesture has made the whole family proud.

Fearne’s Mam, Jade Oxlade, said: “At the beginning of lockdown after seeing the news she seen the doctors and nurses all dressed in PPE and doing television interviews where they were very tired and exhausted so she wanted to give something back to them to say thank you for what they are doing.

I’m extremely proud of Fearne. She is always thinking of others, she is a loving and caring little girl and has such a positive outlook on what she does.”

Doctors and nurses at the Sunderland Royal were delighted with the gifts they received from Fearne, which included chocolate, sweets and soft drinks.

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