Isla Raises £500 for Lifesaving Charity

A six-year-old schoolgirl has raised £500 by reading 20 books in 20 days for the Wales Air Ambulance in her first-ever fundraiser.

Bookworm Isla Wilson, from the village of Bancyfelin, set herself the challenge as part of the lifesaving charity’s My20 fundraiser.

The Wales Air Ambulance celebrated its 20th anniversary on March 1 and to acknowledge the milestone, the Charity created a new fundraising event called My20. My20 allowed the participant to set themselves a challenge, task or activity that relates to the number ’20’ which they could complete during March.

The Ysgol Bancyfelin pupil loves reading books to her younger sister, Ailish, 4 and as part of her fundraiser, she read a variety of books in Welsh and English.

Some of the 20 books included ‘The Three Billy Goats Gruff’, ‘When the World Made a Rainbow’, ‘Chicken Lickin’’, ‘Yr Eliffant Eithaf Digywllydd’ and ‘Why We Can’t Hug’.

A delighted Isla, who set herself a £50 target, received donations from her teachers, schoolfriends, family and people who live in the village, which is situated between Carmarthen and St Clears. 

She also received cards, which were posted through the letterbox telling her what a lovely challenge she was doing. 

Her efforts didn’t get unnoticed on the national stage either, with BBC Radio Wales’ Scott Quinnell phoning in to interview her for the Wynne Evans show.

Speaking of the fundraiser, Isla said: “The air ambulance helps lots of people. I read a book to my class and my teacher gave me a sticker. My friends were really excited when I was on the radio.”

Isla’s favourite books during the challenge included ‘When the World Made a Rainbow’, ‘Diwrnod Cyntaf Douglas Yn Yr Ysgol’ and ‘Dick Whittington’.

Her proud father, Tom Wilson, added: “Reading 20 books in 20 days isn’t something that most of us would think to do for a fundraising appeal. I’m so proud and pleased that Isla had the idea initially and then the stamina to stay with it, particularly at such a young age, and for smashing her fundraising target by so much.

“These children have all gone through so much over the last year and to come out the other side of lockdown with such a determination to do something so positive, is really heart-warming.  Da iawn cariad bach.”

Isla’s family would like to say thank you to everyone who has supported her, especially her school, who have encouraged her throughout the challenge.

Katie Macro, the Charity’s South West Wales Community Fundraiser, said: “We’re so pleased that Isla managed to exceed her fundraising target for the My20 challenge. Hers was an impressive feat, especially for a 6-year-old. Isla wanted to undertake this challenge as she knew it would help others. That shows tremendous compassion for someone so young. Thank you so much, Isla. What you have done, and the money you have raised, will help us to help others.”

There is still time to sponsor Isla via her Just Giving page – Isla’s Fy20 / My20

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/lisa-lewis51