A kind-hearted newspaper delivery boy has done his bit to help Walsall Hospice on his rounds by delivering 600 Joy of Six boxes to residents in Aldridge and Walsall Wood.
James Pacino, aged 13, offered his services to Walsall Hospice fundraisers for free as it works to raise £1.5 million for equipment and initial running costs at the facility, which is being built on Goscote Lane, Goscote, as part of the palliative care centre.
Building work is on target and the Hospice is expected to open early next year, offering respite care to adults with life-limiting diseases.
Aldridge School pupil James, of Queen Street, Walsall Wood, said he wanted to help out with the Joy of Six campaign because his grandmother had died of cancer.
The Joy of Six campaign, which was launched in January this year, is urging Walsall residents to collect just 25p a week in their collection boxes to raise £6 each by June.
A special event will take place on June 16 on The Bridge, in Walsall town centre, to let as many people as possible take their collection bricks and sign a piece of lasting artwork for the Hospice.
James’s mother Sam said: “I was so proud when James said he wanted to deliver the collection bricks. The charity is becoming very close to our hearts.”
Cheryl Bradburne, head of fundraising at Walsall Hospice, thanked James for his contribution.
“It’s lovely that someone like James is keen to help us in our efforts to raise £1.5 million and thank him sincerely for offering to deliver the boxes,” she added.
She said that the Hospice fundraising team have been taken aback by the generosity of the Walsall community, as schools, playgroups, clubs and young people alike have taken up the Joy of Six campaign.
“It’s a tough target to raise £1.5 million, but the generosity of Walsall people has been astounding, so I really hope that by working together we can reach it,” added Cheryl.
