School’s fundraising effort helps fund new playground for children’s hospice

A CHILDREN’S hospice will be getting a new playground thanks to the fundraising efforts of a seven-year-old girl and her schoolfriends.

Niamh Dickason and fellow pupils at St Thomas More Primary School helped raise more than �800 following a day of playground activities.

The fundraising initiative was held in memory of Niamh’s little sister Connie, who died aged 21-and-a-half months after being born with Edwards Syndrome, a genetic condition which leads to most babies dying at birth.

Children who survive have difficulty breathing and are often born with holes in the heart.

The money has been donated to the East Anglian Children’s Hospice (EACH) – which supported Niamh and her family during Connie’s fight.

It has helped the charity reach its �80,000 target for a new playground at a hospice in Milton, where Niamh has been along for siblings’ days.

The girls’ mum, Ann-Marie, who lives in Elsenham with husband Philip and Niamh, said the hospice had offered invaluable support during what was a tough time.

Since Connie died on New Year’s Day, her family have raised more than �4,500 for EACH.