Amazing Grace: The selfless Thornton schoolgirl who spent 2020 caring for others
and live on Freeview channel 276
Grace Brocklehurst, nine, of Springfield Drive in Thornton, has always been a kind-hearted child, mum Gemma said.
She would offer a helping hand when needed, and looked out for her friends and family.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBut when the coronavirus pandemic hit in March, Grace's caring nature ramped up a gear as she worried more about the people around her than herself.
Grace, a Thornton Primary School pupil, spent 2020 giving toys away to neighbouring children from her garden, making garden decorations for residents living in the Teal Close and Thornton House homes for older people, and posting coloured Easter pages to neighbours.
As the year progressed, she created PowerPoint presentations to show her teachers how she had helped others, and organised an after-school club for her class to write Christmas cards and make decorations for elderly neighbours.
After giving away her own toys, global toys giant Mattel donated new toys to Blackpool Vic's children's ward on behalf, and she was sent gifts from Topping Street's toy shop Toys Plus, and Cleveleys confectioners company House of Confection Couture.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdTo round off her year of charitable giving, the selfless schoolgirl has now chosen to donate all profits from an "escape room" game she designed for a competition to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool.
Grace won the nationwide competition, run by Escape Rooms Cheltenham and non-profit organisation Create on the Square, to create an escape room-style game, which has been named "Grace's Great Adventure."
She decided all profits from the game, which retails at £10, will go to Alder Hey, where she was treated as a baby.
Grace's mum Gemma, a teacher at Thornton Primary school, said: "Grace was so excited to hear she'd won the competition, she spent ages designing the game with other children in mind.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"She wanted it to be fun but something they could learn from, and raise money for Alder Hey at the same time."
"Grace was under Alder Hey for virtually all of 2012 aged one to two, for further investigations for bowel issues and Meckels diverticulum.
"She then stayed under the care of the Vic until early 2014.
"As parents, we can't thank them enough for helping Grace and supporting us at what was such as distressing time.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad"I know they do this over and over for the families attending the hospital.
"I'm sure all parents would say the same about their child, but she honestly makes me burst with pride.
"She's so selfless and loving, and we've been so proud of the mature way she has handled everything that's happened in 2020."
It is thanks to our loyal readers that we can continue to provide the trusted news, analysis and insight that matters to you. For unlimited access to our unrivalled local reporting, you can take out a subscription here and help support the work of our dedicated team of reporters.