Schoolgirl, 11, knew what to do after visiting Alder Hey

A schoolgirl stepped in to help children at Alder Hey Children's Hospital after her cousin fell ill. Heidi Smith, who is now 11, visited the hospital around six years ago with her cousin Sadie Maddison.

Sadie had come out in a "giant jet black bruise" which the family originally thought was ink. Despite fears Sadie could have cancer, she was later diagnosed with a blood disorder.

Sadie was treated at the oncology department in the hospital and is now doing well according to Heidi’s mum, Selina Smith. However, Heidi, who now attends The Prescot School, decided to take action after what she saw at the children's hospital.

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Heidi was moved by those who had to stay in the oncology department at Alder Hey over Christmas. This inspired her to collect toys, books and other presents to give to them. Mum Selina, 42, from Huyton, said: “We thought it was just a one-off. Everyone there was made-up.”

But when Heidi began to learn more about the situation in oncology, she decided to take things one step further. Selina said: “When she spoke to staff, they said a lot of people donate presents but they are mostly little toys for younger children. Apparently no one was collecting specifically for oncology, where they have children up to the age of 16 and 17 in there.

“Heidi decided she was going to do something every year with her cousin. Rather than receiving gifts for themselves, they’d collect gifts to give away.”

The donations have now been running for the past six years which is greatly appreciated by the hospital. Selina said: “It’s lovely to see. In previous years, we went up to the oncology department ourselves with them but now because it’s grown we have a designated lady who meets us there and gives Heidi a certificate.”

This is not Heidi’s only act of generosity. Selina said: “Then she started doing other charities. She’s raised money for victims of the war in Ukraine, she’s done a sponsored bike ride for Chester Zoo and a collection for foodbanks.

“It's something that she enjoys doing. She’s always been like that and is very emphatic. It really affected her when she went to Alder Hey. She has won kindness awards for her work. She always puts others before herself.”

Anyone wishing to donate this year can drop off items at The Prescot School on Knowsley Park Lane.