George is a saint!

Jun 28 2005 By Anna Jeys, Evening Mail

BIG-hearted youngster George Shaughnessy had only one wish for his seventh birthday - to give all his presents away to sick children in the city.

The generous seven-year-old wanted nothing more for his big day than to hand over all his toys to sick children at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

The Smethwick youngster asked his mum, Christina Hancock, to organise for his birthday party to be held at the hospital and asked friends to donate a present on his behalf.

George, a pupil at Abbey Infants School, in Bearwood, celebrated his birthday today and managed to raise 50 presents to keep youngsters on the wards entertained.

Mum Christina, who works as a childminder, said: "George is always thinking of poorly children or people worse off than himself.

"He got loads of presents from the family for Christmas and hasn't even played with all of them yet so he thought this was a really good idea.

"He is a really generous child and has a really big heart. He always wants to donate his clothes to charity or toys when he has finished playing with them.

"He was looking forward to the party and really enjoyed it.

"I am really proud of him for thinking about children less fortunate than himself and giving them gifts that he would normally have received himself.

"He didn't moan once about the presents he could have had. He was really up for it.

"He's a very special lad and I know his kindness will bring smiles to many children's faces."