8-year-old neighbours from Horsham who became friends during lockdown hold NHS fundraiser

Lily Mann and Amelia O’Halloran, who live on the Highwood estate, first spotted each other from across the road during the first clap for carers.

Amelia posted a note to Lily introducing herself and the eight-year-olds continued to write to each other until the lockdown eased.

Steve Mann, Lily’s dad, said: “When the restrictions were lifted the girls decided to sit two meters apart and do drawings, arts and crafts and play together.

“We over heard them talking about the NHS and how they would like to give something back and they agreed a cake sale would be best way.”

After gaining positive feedback from a post the families put on the Highwood estate residents’ Facebook page to advertise the fundraiser, the cake sale was held on Sunday, May 31, from 2pm-3pm.

Steve said: “The weather forecast was going to be hot so we needed a couple of gazebos to keep the girls out of the sun and stop the cakes from melting.

“I asked on the Highwood residents’ Facebook page and I was inundated with offers. What great community spirit we have here.”

Lily and her mum spent the Friday and Saturday before the fundraiser baking and decorating cakes, while neighbours who couldn’t make the sale also dropped off cookies and money donations.

Steve said: “Sunday arrived and the gazebos went up, two metre posters were put out for the safety of the customers. So many people turned up and donated it was lovely.

“The girls were overwhelmed with the generosity of the people.

“The day was a total success and they raised an amazing £310 for the NHS.

“With the current situation it has been so inspiring how two girls who didnt know each other have become good friends, and given something back to the NHS.

“We are all so very proud of you both.”

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