Waterlooville boy with cerebral palsy, 4, raises NHS funds by creating rainbow face masks

Four-year-old Ezra Meredith from Waterlooville has received great care from NHS staff since he was diagnosed with the condition when he was a year old, and wanted to give something back.

The kind hearted child came up with the sweet idea of creating face masks in the iconic rainbow pattern to support NHS Charities Together, with help from his mum Lucy Clilverd.

Lucy said: ‘He’s taken quite an interest in what’s been going on, he can’t go out at the moment so he’s been listening to the news and what Captain Tom’s been doing.

‘Ezra on a Thursday evening takes great pleasure in joining the rest of the nation and applauds our great NHS workers, carers and the rest of the key workers that are keeping us safe, saving lives and keeping us stocked up on essentials in these struggling times.’

Ezra’s initial target was a very modest £10, which he has absolutely smashed in raising £290 across just five days - and the pair plan to continue making masks and raising funds if they can.

‘The amazing thing is actually people haven’t wanted the masks, they have been donating the money because they have heard his story,’ Lucy said.

‘I’m so proud of him. He’s so switched on, he was so happy about it and it just made me so proud.’

Their first few creations are going to be given to a friend and their family, but they are happy to make them for whoever needs the protection.

Ezra, who is quite well known in his local area for his cheery attitude, has been on the receiving end of excellent care to support him with his cerebral palsy.

Lucy said: ‘He’s such a character and everyone loves him, he’s quite well known in Waterlooville.

‘The NHS has been brilliant, I can’t fault them. The support we have had has been amazing, they weren’t sure whether he would walk unaided but he does.’

To support Ezra’s fundraising, visit facebook.com/donate/165402444827808/3095119660508085.

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