A seven-year-old Washington schoolgirl who dedicated her time to helping staff working in the NHS during the pandemic has reached the final of an awards recognising British heroes.
In March 2020, Jessica Willey sold hand-painted rainbows which raised money to surprise 300 staff at Sunderland General Hospital with a morale-boosting afternoon tea.
Now she has reached the final four of the Coronavirus Hero category in global-hearing specialist Amplifon’s search for the ‘Best of British’ heroes in the Amplifon Awards For Brave Britons 2021.
Go here for the latest NHS news and breaking North East public health news
Jessica will now be invited to the virtual awards presentation on Tuesday, October 5.
The event will be hosted by BBC1 TV Breakfast and Radio 5 Live presenter Rachel Burden and Falklands War hero Simon Weston will be guest of honour.
Jessica’s mum Andrea Willey, 38, said: "My daughter has been worried other people might not be able to draw rainbows that were placed in windows to show appreciation of the NHS during the pandemic
"So she placed a box of them at the bottom of their drive and asked for donations.
“I put it on social media and the uptake was fantastic. We ended up sending them all over the country."
Jessica raised more money throughout the coronavirus pandemic, by giving up her playtimes and selling 100 handmade bookmarks decorated with rainbows and flowers to buy food for 180 people living in two nursing homes, in Washington – one where her Uncle Stephen is a resident.
Again her bookmarks were sold to people as far away as Florida. And because of Jessica’s efforts, a restaurant offered to prepare and deliver food free of charge to those in need.
During Christmas 2020, she created Christmas cards and she and her mum collected toys, clothes, and gift sets for the homeless charity Centrepoint to bring young people some Christmas cheer.
She also went on to buy packed lunches for staff on the intensive care unit at South Tyneside District Hospital.
Her amazing fundraising efforts received recognition from Boris Johnson who awarded her a Point of Light award earlier this year for her kindness.
“I love helping people. It makes me feel good,” said Jessica.
Andrea said: “I’m just blown away by what she does. It all comes from her. She’s rallied everyone around to help her.
“To be honest, she’s no intention of stopping. She’s already set her sights on helping the homeless.”
Go here for more what's on updates, news and reviews from around the North East
