Young Inflatable Heroes Raised £1k For Sick Kids

Two young Bewdley brothers who dressed up in inflatable costumes to spread cheer in their community raised £1,000 for our Charity.

Nine-year-old George Andrews and his little brother Alfie (seven) dressed up as Pokémon favourite, Pikachu, and a chicken, to raise smiles and cash for sick kids at our hospital.

The boys’ inflatable fundraising journey began when George asked his mum, Tara, if he could do something to help poorly children and together, they agreed that the best way to do that would be to raise vital funds to support patients at our hospital. George put his thinking cap on and got Alfie on board and before long, the duo had decided they were going to dress up to raise as much as they could for sick kids.

Donning new inflatable costumes, George and Alfie took to the streets of Bewdley and Kidderminster on six separate occasions to amuse passers-by. They told everyone they met what they were doing, hoping to inspire donations. Along the way they even met people whose children or family members had been treated at our hospital.

To help their fundraising along, the determined brothers sold some of their old toys at a jumble sale, held their own ‘Pikapick’ litter pick and arranged a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses, including Merchants Chip Shop in Bewdley, who had also given the boys their first donation. Other generous businesses included Let’s Party Party, Kidderminster Mobile Massage Guru, The Watermill, The Best Copy Shop, The Railway Bell and Severn Tree Management Ltd.

Over the course of seven months George and Alfie raised a whopping £1,000 and their efforts were not only recognised locally by Bewdley Town Council, which awarded them a certificate, but by TV show Blue Peter, which sent both boys a coveted silver Blue Peter badge for their fundraising.

Tara said: “Me and my husband Mike are so proud of George and Alfie for being so kind and wanting to support other children. They’re really pleased with themselves so on their behalf we’d like to thank everyone who donated or supported their raffle with prizes.”

George and Alfie’s dad, Mike, added: “Through volunteering their time and showing such perseverance—rain or shine— we hope George and Alfie come away from this experience with a deeper understanding of their ability to make a difference in the world.”

Annie Eytle, Head of Public Fundraising at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “George and Alfie really put the fun into fundraising with their inflatable costumes, which we’re sure will have left a lasting memory on everyone they met.

“Through their dedicated efforts, their fundraising will go on to help us make a real difference for the sick kids and families we care for every day. Thank you, George and Alfie!”