Young Bristol girl becomes a superhero for national children’s charity

A fantastic five-year-old girl from Patchway has taken on a charity Superhero Challenge in a bid to raise funds for the Children’s Air Ambulance (TCAA).

The Children’s Air Ambulance is an inter-hospital transfer service flying critically ill babies and children from one hospital to another for specialist care. It works with 11 NHS Clinical Partner Teams across the UK including Bristol’s Newborn Emergency Stabilisation and Transfer (NEST), and the Wales and West Acute Transport for Children Service (WATCh).

The charity relies on public donations from generous fundraisers – such as young Thea Dawnay– to keep flying and saving lives.

Thea spent April taking part in the charity’s Superhero Challenge where she took on several challenges from baking, swimming, and selling toys, to walking her dog Jack dressed as Wonder Woman– all to raise funds for the national charity.

“I like to see the helicopter flying helping children and getting them to hospital quickly and not getting stuck in traffic,” expressed Thea.

“The thing I liked most was walking my dog and getting donations from my neighbours,” she added.

Thea began her journey with the charity after signing up to be a member of #TheCrew – an exciting club for children linked to the lifesaving charity – and she has been unstoppable since.

Thea has previously raised £372.70, making her a #TheCrew Gold Member, and has now raised a further £400 with her recent efforts.

Commenting on her daughter’s accomplishment, Kelly Dawnay said, “Thea loves raising money for such a vital charity. Her Dad and I are super proud of Thea and think she’s a real superhero. She is always so thoughtful and caring about others and always tries her best. We couldn’t be prouder.”

For her wonderful efforts, Thea was recently visited by the charity’s mascot, Blade, along with TCAA Community Fundraising Executive, Fiona Franklin who added:

“Thea is an inspirational young girl with a big heart as she has taken on so many challenges to help our vital charity.

“It’s great to see her enjoying being a member of #TheCrew and it was a such special moment when she met Blade!”

Being a member of #TheCrew like Thea, children can learn about saving lives, helicopters, medicine, fundraising, and how a charity works. The club offers advice and teaching on community work, volunteering, working as part of a team, and supporting good causes which form part of many school curriculums.

It is completely free to join and, once signed up, members will receive a fabulous welcome pack.