Sunderland schoolgirl's amazing hula hoop effort to help St Benedict's Hospice

Miley Forth, 11, is doing 300 hula hoops a day until she reaches 15,000 to help the hospice, which last week put out an appeal for funds after being hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis.

The hospice in Ryhope is only part-funded by the NHS, and has lost hundreds of thousands of pounds in potential donations with the cancellation of planned fundraising events.

Like so many families in the area, Miley’s family were supported through the toughest of times by the hospice who cared for her grandma Sheila Ellison who died from cancer in October last year.

The youngster decided to do her bit to say thank you with a sponsored hula hoop and has already doubled her initial target of £200.

Mum Kirsty said: “St Benedict’s have been a lifeline to our family over the last few years and have supported Miley’s grandma beyond anything we could ever imagine. We just want to give something back to say thank you to all the wonderful staff there and for current and future patients to receive any care they need.”

Anthony McDermott, challenge events fundraiser at St Benedict’s, said: “Well done to Miley for thinking up such an amazing challenge. We’re delighted and thankful that she has chosen to support the hospice, particularly at this difficult time.

“We’re all here cheering her on and watching her progress on her mum’s Facebook page. You’re amazing Miley. Thank You.”

You can sponsor Miley at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Mileyhulahoop

The hospice is urging people to fundraise in any way they can after it’s lost huge sums of predicted income through cancellation of planned fundraising activities, as well as the closure of its seven charity shops and on-site cafe in line with lockdown restrictions.

It relies heavily on fundraising for its registered charity to be able to continue its care provision, including specialist palliative care.

It’s estimated that one in three people in the city will require the hospice’s services at some point, either through their care or that of their family members.

You can donate at https://www.stbenedicts.co.uk/fundraising

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