King Edwards new boy Jake Topping shines in challenge to aid hospice
JUNIOR fundraiser Jake Topping is top of the class after becoming a hospice hero.
The ten-year-old from Halesowen rolled up his sleeves and tramped the streets after being set a charity challenge by his new school in Birmingham.
Jake, who started at King Edward VI Five Ways, in Bartley Green, a year early, asked his aunt Stephanie Corcoran, who runs the Bell and Bear pub in Gorsty Hill, Rowley Regis, to help him with his fundraising efforts.
The youngster organised a car wash at the pub, helped by stepdad Len Smart.
And resourceful Jake also set up a charity raffle, selling tickets around the pub with the help of staff and going round his local streets.
Over the two events Jake raised £219 for Mary Stevens Hospice, Stourbridge.
His efforts helped earn him a distinction at the Bartley Green grammar school where he has been a pupil for just a fortnight after leaving Lutley Primary, in Halesowen, last term.
Jake, who lives with his mother, Fran, and his stepfather, said today: “The school sets all new pupils challenges and the fundraising was all my idea.
“The car wash was hard work, but my stepdad helped me clean the cars for more than four hours.
“I was going round the street selling raffle tickets and my aunt Stephanie helped me at the pub.
“My teachers and the people at the hospice were very pleased and the fundraising helped me get a distinction, which was great.”
Mr Smart said that he and Fran were very proud of young Jake.
“We try to keep Jake’s feet on the ground, but he is a very bright boy. He is not 11 until next month but took his 11-plus a year early.
“He did extremely well to raise this money.
“Stephanie and I helped him along the way, but it was all his idea and we think it was a marvellous effort.
“It has certainly got his career at his new school off to a flying start.”
Bell and Bear licensee Stephanie said: “Jake asked me if he could complete his school task at the pub and I was delighted to help.
“He spent over four hours cleaning cars and was walking the streets selling raffle tickets.
“For a lad of just 10 I believe he did very well to raise this amount. Jake is also very proud he raised the cash and helped a charity in great need.”
