Top prize for teen hospice fundraiser

Overgate Hospice volunteer, Alex Ainley, has won the Pulse 2 Radio Station’s West Yorkshire Wonders Award for ‘Wonder Fundraiser.’

Alex, age 16, is a prolific fundraiser for the hospice, actively organising her own events and participating in the annual fashion show. She volunteers at their Elland charity shop and sings in the Hi Notes choir. Alex has also been getting her puppy Bella trained up as a therapy dog, so she can take her to the hospice to comfort patients.

During lockdown, the Brooksbank High School student decided to declutter her home and set up a socially distanced yard sale, asking people to make a donation to Overgate. She managed to raise over £1,600.

“I missed helping out in the shop and thought it was a good way to raise some money whilst following NHS guidelines.

“Overgate is an amazing charity that helps so many people. The coronavirus crisis has been a difficult time for them, and they need as much support as they can get. I can’t wait to see all the staff and volunteers when it’s safe to do so,” she said.

Alex also won ‘Young Carer of the Year’ at the Yorkshire Children of Courage Awards in 2019.

Alex’s mum Jane said: “I am so proud of Alex and everything she does for Overgate,.

“The response and support her yard sale has had from the community was just heartwarming. Some people even told us that the yard sale was the only reason they left the house that day and we were the only people they’d had a conversation with for days. Lockdown has brought out a real sense of community spirit.”

Tracey Broadbent, Head of Retail for Overgate Hospice said: “Alex is always finding new ways of raising funds for the hospice and also helping at the hospice, even giving up Christmas day to serve lunch to the patients.

“We are so thankful to her and proud to have her as part of the Overgate team.”

In the future, Alex hopes to pursue a career in medicine.

“I have a particular interest in Neurology , so I see myself keeping my relationship with Overgate going in the future,” she said.

If you would like to make a donation to Overgate Hospice, contact their fundraising team on 01422 387121, or email them at [email protected].