Shropshire Star

Gift of a Christmas challenge for Grace

A 10-year-old is raising money for the Fire Fighters Charity, after being given a secret mission by Santa Claus.

Published
Grace and a fire engine

Grace Bonell of Market Drayton held a cake sale for the charity and is planning another one, while she is also working on a calendar for 2020 with photos of fire equipment and staff.

Grace's mother Emma said: "The mission came about to keep the magic of Christmas alive with Grace, also to give her a little challenge to think about as we as parents want to encourage our children to do good.

"Grace chose the Fire Fighters Charity because she felt that we don’t see enough in our area to raise money.

"She went to a fire training evening to meet Sally Eynon. Sally showed Grace around the fire station and equipment, which she really liked and felt this was a charity to focus on.

"The first cake sale was at Greenfields during football matches taking place. We felt it was a positive place for Grace to gain confidence because her nana and grandad were on hand to support as they both run the clubhouse.

"We had cake baking during Thursday and Friday in the lead up to get Grace involved. The next sale we are hoping to be at Morrisons, we are just sending a letter to the store to organise another cake sale.

"We have done one session of photos already at the station."

Grace's next cake sale is planned for a day in June.

Station manager for the north of the county Chris White said: "Shropshire Fire and Rescue fully support Grace with her request to produce a calendar to support the Fire Fighters Charity.

"We are liaising with Grace and her mum Emma to provide opportunities to capture images of our appliances both in Market Drayton and at our headquarters in Shrewsbury.

"We look forward to seeing the finished calendar at the end of the year and thank Grace for choosing the Fire Fighters Charity."