Kind-hearted Purbrook boy, 9, sets up driveway shop to sell his own books for the NHS

Kind-hearted Jacob Lee has raised more than £50 through two weeks of dedication to opening his pop-up shop every day from 8.30am to 8.30pm outside his house in Fir Copse Road.

The idea came about after he heard his mum Katrine tell a story about selling cakes to passers-by when she was a child, and he wanted to do something similar - but with charity in mind rather than extra pocket money.

Jacob has sold lots of his old books already, and tops up the stock throughout the day when he checks for donations.

The Red Barn Primary School pupil said: ‘I’m doing this because I want things to go quickly back to normal. I want to raise money for the NHS, and I have already raised £54.90.

‘Because people can’t get to the shops I think it’s a nice thing to do because they can buy books for their children.’

Jacob, who is a big Portsmouth FC fan, said what he misses most about his normal lifestyle is doing activities including swimming, football training and football matches on Saturdays and Sundays.

On parting with his treasured books, Jacob said: ‘I don’t want them any more, I’m quite happy to do it. It feels really nice because some people buy something and other people just put money in.’

The young fundraiser is hoping to tempt in a few more purchases by offering a free sweet to those who buy a book.

Parents Katrine and Mark are very proud of his efforts, especially as he has had a tough time during lockdown: on his ninth birthday last month, he sadly heard his grandad had passed away.

Katrine said: ‘I’m very proud he came up with that little idea and wants to help. He’s picked himself up and is thinking of how to help other people and cheer them up.

‘I’m really pleased he’s keeping himself busy - he absolutely loves doing it and looks for new books every day. It’s nice to see him doing something for the community.’

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