Mayfield schoolgirl’s year-long book challenge is fundraising success

Mayfield fundraiser Emily Finch

A 10-year-old Mayfield schoolgirl is taking part in a yearlong read-athon to raise money for the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) lifesaving research.

Emily Finch is aiming to read 365 stories over the course of year. The young schoolgirl took on the challenge to help her grandmother who has had two heart attacks and lives with continuing heart problems.

Emily, who goes to Cross In Hand School in Heathfield began her literary feat on the 1 April last year with the aim of raising £50. However, the enterprising fundraiser has already raised over £570 and hopes to add to that total before her task ends on the 30 March.

Emily said: “Each story has to be at least 20 pages and I have proof of every one that I have read. I have written the title of every story I have read so far with the date.”

“Every Saturday I visit Mayfield library to get new books to read for the coming week. So far I have read 312 stories, and my favourite book is Hashtag Hermione: Wipeout by Emma Moss.”

“To keep up to date with my challenge I’ll read lots of shorter books in one night to get ahead before I get stuck into a nice big book. I have written down on my calendar the number of books that I should have read by that day so I don’t forget. It’s been much harder than I expected, but I am persevering and I am not going to give up now.”

“I picked the BHF because of my Grandma, because I love her so much and I wanted to make her proud of me and help the charity that have been helping her.”

Heart and circulatory disease is responsible for around 155,000 UK deaths each year – around one every three minutes. There are more than 7 million people living with a cardiovascular condition in the UK.

The BHF is the leading funder of independent heart research in the UK. The charity currently has over 1,000 projects aimed at transforming the treatment of heart disease.

Hannah Miller, BHF Fundraising Manager for Sussex, said: “We never cease to be amazed by the extraordinary ways people like Emily fundraise for the BHF. Every contribution, big or small, plays a crucial part in every breakthrough we make so we are incredibly grateful for their support.
“But we urgently need more people to join our fight for every heartbeat and help power our lifesaving research. That’s why we’re calling on everyone across the UK to organise their own event to help support our vital work.”

Emily had her own advice for other potential fundraisers: “Don’t give up with whatever you are doing – you are doing it for a reason and you will make everyone really proud so believe in yourself! Remember, however much money you raise it will help somebody and make them so grateful – remembering that all the time is really motivating! Every little bit counts so don’t feel you have to have a huge goal. The starting point for me was believing in myself so don’t ever stop believing otherwise you will fail. Belief is the key to success!”

The BHF urgently needs more people to organise their own fundraising events like Emily to continue its fight against heart disease. For a fundraising pack with inspiration and tips to make your event a success, sign up for free by visiting www.bhf.org.uk/yourway
From zumbathons and treasure hunts, to bake sales and quizzes, whichever way you choose to fundraise you can help make a difference to millions.
People can sponsor Emily online by visiting www.justgiving.com/fundraising/emily-finch3