Selfless six-year-old raises money to support family friend

A KIND-HEARTED six-year-old has been raising money for people with Crohn's and colitis disease after seeing her mother’s friend suffering in hospital.
Poppy with her brother, right, Connor, four, aunt Nicola Moss and cousin Ruben, two
Picture: Sarah Standing (290419-7381)Poppy with her brother, right, Connor, four, aunt Nicola Moss and cousin Ruben, two
Picture: Sarah Standing (290419-7381)
Poppy with her brother, right, Connor, four, aunt Nicola Moss and cousin Ruben, two Picture: Sarah Standing (290419-7381)

Andrea Chivers, 27, had suffered three years of discomfort from ulcerative colitis before being admitted to hospital to have her bowel removed.

After visiting her in hospital, six year old Padnell Infant School pupil, Poppy Taylor, has since raised over £100 for the charity, Crohn's and Colitis UK. Not content with her online efforts, Poppy set up her own after-school stall to raise further funds to help sufferers.

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Poppy said: ‘Mum’s friend Andrea was very poorly and I was upset when I visited her in hospital. When I got home I told my mum I wanted to do something to raise money to help find a cure for the disease.’

Poppy Taylor, six, and Stanley Chivers, five 
Picture: Sarah Standing (290419-7357)Poppy Taylor, six, and Stanley Chivers, five 
Picture: Sarah Standing (290419-7357)
Poppy Taylor, six, and Stanley Chivers, five Picture: Sarah Standing (290419-7357)

Andrea added: ‘When Poppy came to see me in hospital and said what she was going to do, I got very emotional. For a young child to think about doing something like this is amazing. She is such a kind and caring little girl.’

The disease, which affects more than 300,000 people in the UK, can result in inflammation of the bowel, blood loss and fatigue.

‘I was constantly in flare-up and having to spend time in hospital. In the end I had my bowel removed and now use a colostomy bag,’ said Andrea.

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Poppy’s stall included donated gifts, goody bags designed by Poppy and a guess the number of sweets in the jar competition. She also made decorative bracelets for people to buy.

Poppy Taylor
Picture: Sarah Standing (290419-6077)Poppy Taylor
Picture: Sarah Standing (290419-6077)
Poppy Taylor Picture: Sarah Standing (290419-6077)

‘I really enjoyed making the bracelets and there have been a lot of people visiting the stall. Hopefully I can raise lots of money,’ said Poppy.

The stall was set up at Padnell Infant School with headteacher, Mandy Grayson, supportive of helping such a worthwhile cause.

‘As soon as Poppy came up with her idea we were very keen to help. We are very proud of Poppy as it follows our values of being a giving citizen and putting others first,’ said Mrs Grayson.

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After the success of her first stall sale, Poppy hopes to run a similar initiative in the summer at a local park.

From left, Cara Taylor with her daughter Poppy, six,  and Andrea Chivers and her son Stanley, five
Picture: Sarah Standing (290419-7346)From left, Cara Taylor with her daughter Poppy, six,  and Andrea Chivers and her son Stanley, five
Picture: Sarah Standing (290419-7346)
From left, Cara Taylor with her daughter Poppy, six, and Andrea Chivers and her son Stanley, five Picture: Sarah Standing (290419-7346)

Mother, Cara Taylor, said: ‘We are unbelievably proud of Poppy. This was all her idea.’

Father, Stuart Taylor, added: ‘We are extremely proud to have a a little girl who has put the needs of others before herself.’

Anyone who would like to make a donation to Crohn's & Colitis UK can do so by going to

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