Hilsea mum and son, 5, sleep on floor for a week to fundraise for beds for families in poverty
GIVING up his own bed for a week to sleep on the floor was a young boy’s challenge to buy beds for families in Ethiopia.
Four families living in poverty will be able to afford an entire bed thanks to five-year-old William Leggat’s challenge.
Hilsea resident William and his mum Charlene Simms have given up some of their home comforts for their February on the Floor efforts, which have raised more than £600.
The initial aim was to raise £16 for a warm blanket for families supported by charity Stand By Me, but William and Charlene have been overwhelmed with the response to their task.
On why he took on this challenge, William said: ‘To raise money for beds for people who don’t have any, I’m really lucky but there are people in other countries who are happy but need some help sometimes.
‘I only thought I would get enough for some blankets! I love camping so sleeping on the floor is an adventure with my mummy.’
Charlene and William were looking for a pen pal to write to in another country when they discovered this challenge, and decided to do what they could to transform another family’s life.
William’s school Northern Parade Infant School has had a focus on being kind and helping others, so some discussions surrounding poverty have formed part of his recent homeschooling.
Science teacher Charlene said William has always been interested in helping other people and learning what it’s like in other countries.
The challenge has proved good fun for William – who spent a day designing his own den – despite a few aches and pains for the pair.
Charlene added: ‘He is almost six and while poverty is a complex issue, I believe it is important for children from this age to understand simple explanations about poverty.
‘Without an explanation they may make inaccurate assumptions about why some children get a free school meal or why there is someone sleeping on the street.
‘William is a kind, happy and confident little boy who loves to help others and I love seeing how empowered he is feeling, knowing that his actions and resilience are directly helping other children receive a warm bed through the wonderful charity we support called Stand By Me.’
Visit standby.me/appeals/charlene-and-william-s-february-on-the-floor to donate.