Cleveleys youngster hands cheque to Blue Skies after generous fundraising in lockdown

Nine-year-old Dalton Gearing, of Carr Gate in Cleveleys, set up a stall on his driveway every day during the coronavirus pandemic in a bid to raise money for Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

The Manor Beach primary school pupil gave away his own toys, books and new items for optional donations, raising an impressive £1760 for the Vic's in-house charity, Blue Skies Hospitals Fund.

In August, Dalton also received the Ambassador Award from his football club Layton Juniors, in recognition of his kind-hearted fundraising efforts.

Beaming with pride, Dalton's mum Samantha said: "We are so proud of how hard he has worked, and thank you to every single person who’s supported Dalton all throughout his fundraising.

"And a big thanks to Manor Beach for a very generous donation to Dalton's fund."

Staff at Dalton's school Manor Beach, who supported his fundraising with a donation of their own, were "super proud" of him for his generosity and thoughtfulness towards the hard-working medics of the Fylde coast.

Teacher Nicola Baggaley said: "We were more than happy to support Dalton in his fundraising goals.

"We are super proud of Dalton, he is a great ambassador for Manor Beach and an inspiration to young people."

Paula Wright, community fundraiser at Blue Skies, said: "It’s lovely to see a young person like Dalton so dedicated to raising money, he’s a real credit to his family and friends.

"The funds he’s raised will make a big difference to patient care here at Blackpool Victoria Hospital."