Meet the Sunderland youngsters bringing happiness to children in hospital with 'Dragons’ Den’ inspired fundraiser

Five pupils from Newbottle Primary Academy decided to put their entrepreneurial skills to the test and make different items to sell in a bid to raise funds for the paediatric ward at Sunderland Royal Hospital.

Setting up a WhatsApp group called ‘Dragons' Den Covid style’ during the first national lockdown, the children, then aged seven and eight, outlined a plan to each make a different item that they could sell to friends and family.

They created the likes of personalised hand sanitizer bottles, floral bouquets, sea glass cards and sea glass necklaces, which raised £400.

Those who took part were Poppy Dobbyn, Maisie Hadwin, Olivia Hawthorne, Jess Grecian and Lewis Robertson.

The classmates then went out to buy pens, colouring books and craft kits that will keep the young patients in Sunderland busy during their hospital stay.

Anna Hadwin, who is mum to Maisie Hadwin, nine, said the group plans to donate the items to Sunderland Royal Hospital on Saturday, November 28.

The 41-year-old from Newbottle said: “It was all exciting for them and gave them something to do during lockdown.

“They were over the moon [to raise the money] and it was good for them to get the feel for doing things for other people.

"We are all looking forward to going along to the hospital with the stuff as the ward are over the moon when they receive donations.”

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