Nine-year-old girl's special Christmas gift to care home residents

Georgia Thorogood, who attends John F. Kennedy Primary School, wanted to do something for residents at Donwell House Care Home in Washington.

The nine-year-old girl, who has a passion for helping others, took part in a three-mile memory walk, raising £400 for Alzheimer’s UK.

Now she has presented residents at the care home with a dementia doll to help them deal with the impact of their condition.

“I just want to help the residents and make them smile. It makes me happy helping people,” she said.

The dolls are a proven and effective way of helping people with Alzheimer's and dementia deal with stress and agitation.

According to the Alzheimer’s Society website, the dolls have become popular and with the growing benefits they are better understood.

These include reduced anxiety and agitation and improved interaction and communication.

Georgia’s mother, Stacey Thorogood, said she was very proud of her daughter’s passion for helping others, which has also seen her donate money to various charities.

“I’m extremely proud,” she said. “Georgia is always asking if she can donate money, especially to the homeless. She’s going to be top of Santa’s nice list.”

During her visit to the home, Georgia told the Echo she wants to work in a care home when she’s older – wit the team their offering the schoolgirl the chance to help out at Donwell whenever she wants.

Georgia said she can’t wait for Christmas herself, and has asked for a book about dementia so she can learn more about the disease and find more ways she can help.

Donwell House Care Home in Wellgarth Road, Donwell Village, houses around 50 residents, and cares for people with a variety of conditions.

Louise Lavin, lead activities coordinator at the home said, said: “It’s an amazing story”.

She presented Georgia and her brother Jenson with her own Christmas present to say thank you, in the form of some festive treats.