Joyce Watson AM has paid tribute to "a role model to us all", 13 year old Abigail Davies of Llanelli.The St Michael’s pupil has single-handedly raised £6,400 for forces charity, Help for Heroes.
Abigail was so moved when she attended the funeral of a local soldier that she vowed to raise money to help our forces.
She decided to organise a celebrity memorabilia auction, and wrote letters to a range of celebrities and public figures. She gained over 60 items for sale including a signed JK Rowling book, autographs and some photos from people including David Beckham, Lorraine Kelly, politicians, soap stars, celebrity chefs and sportsmen.
The auction was a huge success, raising £3,400 on the night. The Prison Officers Association were so impressed by Abigail that they almost doubled this with a £3000 donation.
Local AM Joyce Watson AM said: "This was a huge achievement, and we're all so proud of Abigail. She's a role model to us all, and shows what young people can do."
Joyce invited her and her family to the Assembly to meet First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, who was very impressed by the teenager’s tremendous effort.First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones said:
“For any individual to raise this amount for charity is incredibly impressive, but the fact that Abigail is only 13 years old makes it all the more commendable.
“The way Abigail came up with and carried through the idea for the charity event is inspirational, and I wish her well in all of her future fundraising.”
Abigail comes from a family with a proud reputation for fundraising, with her mother and her grandmother Cllr Tegwen Devechand regularly raising money for local good causes.
