4 Feb 2025 Community
Nine Year-Old Twins Raise £1,200 for The Kirkwood with Heartfelt Fundraiser
When nine-year-old twins Bella and Raya Weavill heard about The Kirkwood’s financial crisis, they knew they had to do something to help. Inspired by a Facebook post, the girls immediately set to work planning a fundraising event, determined to support our hospice which has long been a pillar of their community.
Armed with a passion for baking and a deep sense of responsibility, the sisters decided to host a bun sale outside their home, selling butterfly buns and Rice Krispie cakes for £1 each. Their efforts quickly gained traction, and what started as a simple idea soon became an extraordinary display of generosity and community spirit.
Bella and Raya’s mum, Emily Weavill, was amazed by how quickly the word spread: "I put a post on Facebook to let people know what they were doing, and honestly, the response was overwhelming," Emily shared.
"People started sharing it, and before we knew it, loads of people were coming to support them. Some people even stopped their cars, rolled down their windows, and handed over £20 notes without taking a single bun. They just said, ‘Keep the money, it’s for such a good cause,’ and drove off. It was unbelievable. I thought if we made £100, that would be amazing. But by the end of the day, we had raised £1,200. I couldn’t believe it, I actually cried."
The demand was so high that the family ended up baking more buns the next day, ensuring that as many people as possible could contribute to the cause. While initially motivated by a desire to help The Kirkwood during its financial struggles, Emily also revealed that their family had a more personal connection to the charity.
"My great-grandma, Mrs Fugler, was cared for by The Kirkwood, and my husband’s great-grand parents also had a connection to the charity.” she explained. "Even though we didn’t start fundraising because of our own experiences, The Kirkwood has been part of our family’s history too."
Emily is so passionate about supporting The Kirkwood that she applied to volunteer on our In-Patient Unit last October. She has already completed her training and is eager to start as soon as a position becomes available.
"I really want to be involved in some way because I know how much people rely on The Kirkwood," she said. "I’d love to be able to give something back."
Bella and Raya’s fundraising hasn’t stopped at buns. Now, they are planning a second initiative, handmade jewellery, including loom band bracelets in The Kirkwood’s colours and clay bead bracelets that spell out ‘The Kirkwood.’
"The girls don’t want to stop here. They’ve already got their next fundraiser planned," Emily said proudly. "They’re hoping to set up a little stall at an Easter event. They’re not treating this as a one off thing; they really want to keep going and raise as much as they can."
The twins have also signed up for The Kirkwood’s Starlight Walk, showing just how committed they are to making a difference.
Judith Ambler, Community Fundraiser for The Kirkwood, was deeply moved by the twins’ efforts: "We are absolutely amazed by Bella and Raya's fundraising over the weekend," she said. "Their passion and determination to help us during this really difficult time is inspirational. We'd like to say a huge thank you to them both for their wonderful efforts, as well as to those who came out to support them. Their fundraiser will make a huge difference for the patients and families in our care, and we hope their story inspires others to get involved too."
She also acknowledged the incredible generosity from the community: "We've been humbled by the response from the general public here in Kirklees," Judith added.
"Supporters have pledged to help us in a whole range of ways, from setting up their own fundraisers to making donations and even offering to volunteer some of their time."
For Emily, the overwhelming response has been a testament to how much The Kirkwood means to people: "It made me realise how much The Kirkwood means to people," she said. "Everyone who donated, whether it was £1 or £20, had this shared feeling of wanting to keep The Kirkwood going. It just goes to show how deeply rooted it is in the community and how much people care about it. It was really emotional."
Looking ahead, the family is determined to keep doing their part: "We’re definitely going to keep doing what we can," Emily said. "This is only the beginning. The girls are already thinking of more ways to raise money, and I want to do my bit too. If everyone does a little something, it will add up to something huge. We can’t let The Kirkwood struggle, not when it means so much to so many people."
For anyone wanting to support The Kirkwood, Judith encourages them to take action: "If you'd like to help The Kirkwood, whether through a donation or by writing a letter to your local MP, you can find out more on our website: www.thekirkwood.org.uk," she said.
Bella and Raya’s story is a powerful reminder that small actions can lead to incredible results. Their determination and kindness have not only raised vital funds for The Kirkwood but have also inspired an entire community to come together in support of a cause that truly matters.
If you'd like to take on your own fundraising initiative then please contact our fundraising team on 01484 557 911.
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