Young fundraiser donates over £3000 to Wrexham hospice which cared for her late mum

A kind-hearted young fundraiser from Wrexham has donated over £3,000 to the hospice that cared for her late mum.

Eight-year-old Cleo Purslow, who lives in Rhos, raised the incredible sum of money for Nightingale House Hospice after hosting two successful fundraising events.

She chose to donate the £3107.50 to the Wrexham-based hospice where her mum Vikki was cared for and sadly passed away when Cleo was a baby.

Matthew said he and his daughter, along with family and friends have always had links with the Hospice: “Cleo has attended many Nightingale House events and in particular likes the Light a Life event at Christmas which she has attended with my mum and dad since she was a year old.

“As a family we know first-hand what an amazing place the hospice is. Their care and support for patients and their families is outstanding and even though Cleo is young she has always been mindful of the help and support her mum received there.”

When Cleo said she wanted to raise money to help others she decided any funds should go to the Hospice.

Her first event, a sponsored ten mile walk from Rhos to Llangollen was completed with Matthew and friends. Then a World Cup Final party at The Fat Boar in Wrexham raised £1,101.49 of the £3107.50 thanks to the ‘Cleo Burger’ which she designed herself and was sold on the day.

Matthew said: “We planned ten mile walk over the mountain from Rhos towards World’s End, walking along a section of the Offa’s Dyke footpath to the Panorama above Llangollen and ending at The Sun Trevor.

“These were all some of her mum’s special places.

“Then through the power of Twitter came an idea that Cleo could design a burger to be sold at The Fat Boar. She was over the moon with this idea and it quickly snowballed into her being the host of their World Cup final party” said Matthew.

He added: “We would like to thank everyone who walked with us, all those who sponsored her and special thanks to Richard Watkin, Jamie Jones and the great team at The Fat Boar as well as Wrexham AFC captain Shaun Pearson and new signing Luke Young and all local businesses that supported the event.”

Richard Watkin of The Fat Boar said: “As a local independent business we endeavour to help the community in Wrexham as much as we can, and as soon as this idea was raised we were delighted to play a small part.

“Cleo has done tremendously well in her fundraising for such a fantastic cause. It was also brilliant that Shaun Pearson and Luke Young gave their time up to join us.

“Hopefully on the back of this success, we can make it an annual fundraiser for the hospice.”

Debbie Barton, area fundraiser for Nightingale House described Cleo as a “wonderful little girl with a very kind heart”.

“What a magnificent effort by Cleo,” continued Debbie.

“She wrote us a beautiful letter in lovely handwriting explaining why she wanted to help the hospice and she has really touched all our hearts.

“Our heartfelt thanks also go to her dad Matthew and to their family and friends for all they have done to raise this amazing amount.

“A big thank you to The Fat Boar also for hosting the Cleo Burger event and donating ticket sales as well as everyone who contributed to make the day such a success.”