Cleveleys youngster raises over £1000 for Blue Skies with driveway toy stall

Kind-hearted Dalton Gearing, a nine-year-old Manor Beach primary school pupil from Carr Gate, Cleveleys, decided he wanted to set up a stall in his driveway after schools closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dalton wanted to help Fylde coast medics at the Vic while he was at home, so he began to give away toys and books to local children passing by on their daily exercise with the option to add a donation.

Since April 24, he has raised a total of £1070 for Blue Skies Hospital Fund, which continues to rise on a daily basis thanks to support from Fylde coast businesses, his school, and the public.

Dalton's mum, Samantha Gearing, said: "Since he's been unable to go to school, Dalton has gone out every morning after finishing his schoolwork to set up his little stall, he absolutely loves it.

"There has only been two or three occasions in that time where he wasn't able to due to bad weather. He's determined to carry on until he either runs out of things to give away or he goes back to school.

"He's missing school, his friends, and playing football, but this has kept him going. He was emotional when he reached £1000, he just couldn't believe he'd managed to raise so much money."

Dalton's good deeds grabbed the attention of many local organisations, including Morrisons, Blackpool Heritage Trams, and his football team Layton Juniors, who have provided him with donations and gifts.

Manor Beach has pledged to donate to the charity, and he also received a letter from Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP Paul Maynard, who praised Dalton's fundraising achievements and made a further donation.

Mr Maynard said: "It was lovely to hear about Dalton's fundraising and his story is inspiring to many in the local community.

"Dalton has shown that even in the most difficult circumstances, everyone can make a difference in their own way."

Kila Redfearn, head of Blue Skies, said: “To raise over £1,000 is brilliant and we’re so proud of Dalton’s achievement.

"Hopefully his good deed will inspire other kids to do some fundraising. If you know of any children looking to raise some money, our Young Fundraisers scheme is the perfect way to get started.

"Give us a call on 01253 957904 to find out more."