A TEENAGER is taking his Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award one step further by single-handedly organising and hosting a fund-raising quiz for charity.
Thirteen-year-old William Higgs from Solihull has been planning and promoting the quiz in aid of Hatton-based Molly Olly’s Wishes, since October.
And now he’s making the final preparations to host the event on February 29th, at 6.40pm, at Fulford Heath Golf Club in Wythall.
William, who attends Solihull School, said: “I wanted to find something that would appeal to a wide group of people. Something my granny, my sister and my friends would enjoy.
“And I wanted to support a charity that was for young people. I am pleased that I have chosen Molly Olly’s to raise awareness and funds for such a positive charity.
William was introduced to the work of Molly Olly’s through his dad Tim, who is manager at the golf club, which has hosted a charity golf day for the past seven years.
Mum Lennie said: “Rather than just going in somewhere to help each week he wanted to do something that would also help raise awareness.
“I’m really proud of William. It’s an amazing charity. He’s quite a shy child so it’s been good for him to step outside his comfort zone. Duke of Edinburgh’s about challenging and developing them and encouraging them to learn some broader skills and I think he recognised that he’s not the most outgoing of people but saw he had an opportunity to do something different.”
William added: “I have learnt a lot about myself and taking myself out my comfort zone was a big thing for me. I am quite a shy person and this experience has made me learn some new skills and realise I can do things I have not always been confident enough to do.”
Molly Olly’s Wishes was established in 2011 following the death of Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw’s eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.
The Warwick-based charity works to support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families and help with their emotional wellbeing as well as grant wishes and donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.
Rachel said: “We often get asked by students doing their Duke of Edinburgh Award if they can volunteer for Molly Olly’s and we try to make it a rewarding and fulfilling experience. We chatted to Will about how he would like to help, discussing different ideas and decided that a quiz night was a good plan. From the charity’s point of view it helps us raise both funds and awareness with a different audience, and for Will we hope that he will learn some different skills and know that his contribution has helped make a difference to the children we support.
“Thank you to all the team at Fulford Heath Golf Club who have been very supportive. We are looking forward to great night.”
To enter a team of up to four people costs £10, including a soft drink and snack. Contact Rachel at [email protected] to book a place.
Visit www.mollyolly.co.uk for further information about Molly Olly’s Wishes or to donate.
