Gosport girl receives special prize for supporting Royal Navy charity by selling 'wiggly worm' pencil toppers

A delighted schoolgirl has received a special prize for raising money in support of a Royal Navy charity.

Eowyn Hill, nine, designed and sold “wiggly worm” pencil toppers so money could be donated to Aggie’s. The pupil at Grange Junior School in Franklin Road handmade the colourful decorations after the organisation supported her parents through hardship.

She raised £166 for the charity and received a special Aggies 150th anniversary challenge coin, the first given out by the organisation. The special presentation took place at the school’s end-of-year celebration, where Eowyn was presented with her prize.

She said: “It was a big surprise to receive the Challenge Coin during our end-of-year celebration. I am very proud that I have raised £166 for Aggie’s, but I haven’t finished yet! I am hoping to reach £200, which is quite a big challenge when most of my customers are my friends.”

Eowyn’s father Dean serves in the Royal Navy and she attends Aggie’s After School Club at Crossley Community Centre every Thursday. The club gives her the opportunity to enjoy activities and spend time with fellow Service children who understand what it is like to be part of a Naval family. Aggie’s specialises in supports serving members of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and Royal Fleet Auxiliary, as well as their families.

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They provide personal, practical, and emotional support to them through various welfare services. Limited edition coins handed out to people who generously fundraise for them. Kathryn Hearn, Deputy CEO of Aggie’s, presented Eowyn with her gift and said it showed she went “above and beyond” for the charity.

“We wanted the first one to go to someone who truly represents the kindness, creativity and community spirit that have sustained Aggie’s for 150 years. Eowyn certainly does that. “Eowyn understands personally the importance of bringing Service children together and giving them opportunities to spend time with others who share similar experiences. It makes her decision to fundraise for Aggie’s even more special.”

She added: “Eowyn had a wonderful idea and worked hard to turn it into reality. She has shown that you are never too young to make a meaningful difference. We know these special coins will be popular, but Eowyn will always have the distinction of receiving the very first one. We are enormously grateful to her and very proud of what she has achieved.”