Schoolboy makes dozens of key rings to raise money for NHS and support frontline workers

A schoolboy has been spending his time in lockdown making key rings to raise money for the NHS.
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Since the coronavirus lockdown came into place in March, eight-year-old Henry Wood, from East Boldon, has been making key rings out of hama beads and sending them across the country to help those on the front line.

With the help of his sisters, Emma, 12, and Sophie, 10, Henry has now made more than 80 key rings and raised £1,000 for the NHS Charities Together.

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When his school closed, the East Boldon Juniors pupil started making key rings for his aunt, Laura Winter - a store manager at EE in Sunderland - and her colleagues to keep himself busy.

Henry Wood, 8, has made dozens of key-rings to raise money for the NHS Charities Together.Henry Wood, 8, has made dozens of key-rings to raise money for the NHS Charities Together.
Henry Wood, 8, has made dozens of key-rings to raise money for the NHS Charities Together.

Now EE employees across the UK - from Northern Ireland to Devon - are wearing Henry’s key rings with pride.

He has also branched out into rainbow key rings for family, friends and even his teacher.

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Henry has been making DPD key rings for his Steve Wood and co-workers and mum Lynsey’s employers Coote O’Grady solicitors donated more than £300 towards theirs.

Henry with sisters Emma and Sophie Wood.Henry with sisters Emma and Sophie Wood.
Henry with sisters Emma and Sophie Wood.
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Henry’s aunt, Laura Winter said: “It was all Henry’s idea, when the schools closed he was looking for something to do and he decided to make a key ring for me.

“When he started making them for other people at work they wanted to give him money but he asked them to donate it to the NHS instead.

“He’s been going out and clapping every Thursday for the key workers - he understands why we’re doing it and has really got behind it.”

Henry has made 80 key-rings for EE employees as well as rainbow creations.Henry has made 80 key-rings for EE employees as well as rainbow creations.
Henry has made 80 key-rings for EE employees as well as rainbow creations.
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Laura says the CEO of EE has also sent a letter to Henry praising him for his efforts.

She continued: “His sisters have been helping him and I’m so proud of how they have all got on with everything and used their time wisely. To go onto raise £1,000 has just blown me away.

“All the messages I am getting from people are just amazing.”

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