Teen fundraiser praised for charity auction idea (South Wales Evening Post)

A TEENAGE Llanelli fundraising star has been praised by the First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, for her efforts.

Determined young student Abigail Davies rallied a host of celebrities and single-handedly raised £6,400 for forces charity, Help for Heroes.

The Dafen 13-year-old had wanted to show her support for the troops after 29-year-old Llanelli Lance Corporal David Dennis, a family friend, was killed in action in Afghanistan in July last year.

Also, her father Stuart Davies served in the first Gulf War.

She set about organising an auction of celebrity memorabilia, and got Coronation Street stars, celebrity chefs and sporting legends on board to turn her idea into reality.

Dipping into her own pocket money, the teenager started writing letters to secure her items for auction, and was soon collecting an impressive selection of lots.

More than 60 items were secured for sale, including a signed JK Rowling book, and autographs (some with photos) from David Beckham, Lorraine Kelly and a list of leading politicians.

The St Michael's pupil managed to raise a staggering £3,400 on the night, and was delighted when this total was almost doubled by a £3,000 donation from the Prison Officers Association.

Abigail, who earlier this year was hailed "an inspiration" for her charity work by the then Prime Minister Gordon Brown, met the First Minister yesterday.

Mr 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."

He added: "The way Abigail came up with and carried through the idea for the charity event is an inspiration, and I wish her well in all of her future fundraising."

Abigail's mum told the Post: "She was invited to meet the First Minister by Joyce Watson, the Assembly Member for Mid and West Wales.

"She was over the moon about how much Abigail had raised.

"Abigail was delighted to meet him and he was very interested to hear how she raised the money.

"She is looking now for her next campaign for Help for Heroes, and looking at putting on either a concert or a fashion show."

Source: http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/news/Teen-fundraiser-praised-charity-auction-idea/article-2317062-detail/article.html