A selfless Edinburgh youngster decided to give to charity instead of getting birthday presents so she could help people with sight loss.
Molly Roberts, from Portobello, asked for people to make a donation to the charity Guide Dogs rather than bring gifts to her 10th birthday party at the end of March, raising £510.
Molly was inspired by her nana, who is a volunteer at Guide Dogs. She said: “My nana has been a puppy walker for Guide Dogs for as long as I can remember.
“I’ve always loved her dogs and all the time and effort she puts in to help people in need. I am going to sponsor a class of guide dog puppies with the money raised.”
Molly’s mother, Gillian Roberts, said: “We are all incredibly proud of Molly. She’s a lovely young lady and she’s inspired her brother, Jack, to do the same for his next birthday. Thanks to all the fantastic people who donated.”
There are around 180,000 blind and partially sighted people living in the UK who find it difficult to leave home on their own, and Guide Dogs wants to change that.
Joanna Stevenson, Fundraising Manager at Guide Dogs, said: “We were all so touched by Molly’s amazing gesture. It was just so kind of her to think of others before herself, especially on her birthday.
“Our team were delighted to welcome Molly to our office recently and thank her in person, as well as introduce her to some of our guide dogs.
“Every pound raised by Molly really will make a difference to those living with sight loss.”
You can visit Molly’s online fundraising page here:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/MollyRoberts10
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
