Margate schoolgirl raises money to buy presents for children facing Christmas in QEQM hospital

A kind-hearted schoolgirl who faced Christmas in hospital has raised more than £1,300 to buy presents for other children in the same position.

Palm Bay Primary School pupil Betsy Boardman, from Margate, spent 10 days at the QEQM last December.

The 11-year-old’s mum, Sarah, says her daughter was worried for youngsters spending this festive period on the paediatrics ward.

“At times it looked like Betsy wouldn’t make it home in time for Christmas, although thankfully we were discharged on December 22,” she said.

“She later mentioned she would have been really sad to have spent Christmas in hospital, and was worried the children wouldn’t get any presents, so I said perhaps we could buy them some for next year.

“But she wanted to do something to raise the money so we could buy lots and lots.”

Despite being diagnosed with mixed connective tissue disease, a collection of auto-immune disorders including arthritis and lupus, Betsy raised hundreds of pounds by walking 22 miles in October.

“Our friends and family started spreading the word and soon we had lots of people wanting to donate so I set up a fundraising page,” added Sarah.

“She was over the moon and we are so proud of her.

“We know how awful it is to be in hospital at Christmas, so it means a lot to be able to help other families in the same situation this year.”

Betsy, together with her brother and parents, visited the children’s ward to hand over the gifts to staff.

Lizzie Warner, from the East Kent Hospitals Charity, says the donation will make a huge difference to young patients.

“As Betsy and her family know, it is no fun being in hospital for Christmas," Ms Warner said.

“But thanks to her generosity, children and young people who are in that position this year will have plenty to keep them entertained and to make them smile.

“We're grateful to her for her determination to help others.”