We recently caught up with 11-year-old Ollie who has just completed his second bit of fundraising this year for Alopecia UK. 

Tell us about what you've been up to, Ollie..

I really enjoy making things. One day at forest school, we were shown how to make survival bracelets made out of rope. I picked this up quite quickly and started making lots of them. My school friends and teacher thought they were really good and wanted one for themselves. So I decided to start a charity event selling them to anyone who wanted one. 

My teacher Mrs Bhula supported my fundraising idea and bought 40 to take to Kenya. The children over there were delighted with their gift. 

I enjoyed raising the money so much that I wanted to do another fundraising event. With the help from my mum and dad and their bakery, Ravens Bakery in Ingatestone, I taught myself how to design golden tickets and decided on some winning prizes. I then made a poster to show the top prize of a celebration cake up to the value of £50.00. 

We sold tickets in the shop for £2 per ticket. All were sold in 6 hours and many people were delighted with their winnings. 

Why was it important for you to raise funds for Alopecia UK?

I chose Alopecia UK due to my cousin Bronte losing her hair. I wanted to help in raising money to help to support a charity that helps children like Bronte to feel happy and comfortable. 

How do you come up with your fundraising ideas, and have you got any more plans?

I like to help others as it makes me feel good inside. Due to the success of my bracelets, I wanted to do more. I was reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and loved idea of a winning Golden Ticket. I took this opportunity to make a fundraising idea using golden tickets as prizes.  My next plan is to help make cupcakes or biscuits and sell them in the shop. 

You seem like a very creative person! Do you have any ideas about what you'd like to do when you are older?

I love building, drawing and creating new ideas. I want to be a builder or design anything which can be made to be useful in some way. 

Ollie's mum Jessica says: 

Our Ollie is such a loving boy who cared for everyone. He is loved by many and people love to be around him. Especially me. He is a hard worker when it comes to scouts and was awarded a Jack Petchey award for all the things he does withing the scout group. Ollie has a heart of gold and has so much more to give.

Huge thanks to Ollie for all his efforts in supporting Alopecia UK. Ollie raised £89 with his bracelets, and £115 with his bakery raffle! What a superstar!