Girl, 8, makes bracelets for Hearing Dogs for The Deaf

Sophia Richardson, who lives in Fangfoss, has raised £640 for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People by setting up a store selling her own handmade jewellery at a village festival. She became interested in the charity three years ago after meeting several volunteer dog trainers for the charity from her village.  

Whilst she had hoped to set up her first stall in 2022, she was unable to – leading her dad Gareth to suggesting setting out a table on their drive with some small items to sell and an honesty box to take payment.

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In the first year that she did this, Sophia raised £40, and in the second year, with a similar stall and just a little social media advertising, she was able to raise £160.

In her third year, she took up the offer of the Carpenter’s Arms landlady to set up in her pub car park during village festival Fangfest and raised £640 selling handmade bracelets, bubbles, and other items.

Dad Gareth explained why Sophia wanted to support Hearing Dogs for Deaf People: “Hearing Dogs felt like a really kind charity to her, and she loved to be able to see the puppies-in-training in real life with the volunteers from our village.

Sophia and her dad at Fangfest (Image: Provided)

“I don’t think Sophia really appreciates what she has achieved. What’s more important to her is that she’s helping. For Sophia it’s all about helping.”

Martin Peagam, Community Fundraising Manager for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, said he was touched that Sophia had chosen to raised funds for the charity, adding: “Hearing dogs transform the lives of deaf people of all ages, but especially children.

“Sophia is amazing; not only has she raised over £600, but she has also inspired others. The money she has raised will be a huge help in allowing us to create more life-changing partnerships in Yorkshire and beyond.”

Sophia's handmade bracelets (Image: Provided) Sophia’s dad Gareth also contacted local businesses to bring attention to his daughter’s appeal with local manufacturing company, Harsh UK, donating £100 before inviting Sophia and her dad to visit their offices.

Adam Hargreaves, managing director of Harsh UK, said: “When we received the heartfelt email from Sophia’s dad Gareth, we were delighted to donate £100 to Sophia’s Loom Bracelets fundraiser.

“It’s always uplifting to hear stories of young individuals like Sophia taking the initiative to raise money for such a worthy cause. Her incredible fundraising achievements to date, along with her ambitious plans to surpass that amount this year, are truly inspiring.”