11-year-old Lewisham schoolgirl sets up fundraiser to support disabled children

An 11-year-old has raised £190 with a fundraiser to support a hospital’s charity for disabled patients.

Fodun Olanrewaju, who is a year six student at St Matthew Academy in Blackheath, has already raised £190 for her local NHS trust. 

With the help of her parents, Fodun set up a GoFundMe page to raise money in aid of the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust charitable fund and has already almost met her target after only one week. 

Fodun said: “This year has been a very difficult year and I have been thinking about how some people won’t have the opportunity to meet their family and friends because of the lockdown, especially children who are differently able.

“I am overwhelmed and of course I’m thankful for those who supported my fundraising campaign. My advice to others wanting to make a difference would be to always love and care for your community.”

Fodun, who is already a prefect at her school, hopes to continue to make a difference in her community and make her parents and school proud.

Olanrewaju Sharafa, Fodun’s father said: “We are very proud of her, she cares a lot about other people and finds joy in making positive contributions.

“All of Fodun’s friends and family are so happy and proud of her. I feel touched that she is continuously willing to make an impact in the community.

“Her head teacher is also really proud of her and she could make the list of Mayors’ Award Nominees. Hopefully she wins.” 

You can donate to Fodun’s fundraiser here: https://uk.gofundme.com/f/differently-able-children-on-my-mind?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unknown&utm_campaign=comms_9hmq+differently-able-children-on-my-mind