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Posted: Sat 11th Jan 2025
A young boy from Wrexham has raised hundreds of pounds for the hospice that cared for his beloved grandad after smashing his fundraising target.
Seven-year-old Oliver Watkin originally set out to raise £100 for Nightingale House Hospice, on Chester Road, by taking part in the organisation’s Lantern Parade in November 2024.
Oliver took part in the festive event in memory of his grandad, Dilwyn Walker, who was cared for at the hospice before he passed away in 2017.
“I only got to see my Grandad for one week. Mummy, Nana, and Daddy talk about him lots. It makes me feel sad that he has died, but I like hearing all about him,” said Oliver.
“I love and miss him. I wanted to raise £100 for Nightingale House so anyone like Grandad can be looked after so well like he was!”
Oliver’s efforts quickly gained momentum, with family and friends rallying behind him to exceed his initial target.
In total, Oliver raised £650 in aid of the hospice.
His proud mum, Katie Watkin, said: “I am so proud of Oliver for seeing the opportunity and having the want to raise money for Nightingale House.
“He set his target at £100, but as we shared his challenge with family and friends, they supported him, and he managed to raise over £600.
“Oliver is one very special little boy who has a big heart and wants to help others. Every day he would ask for an update on his total and was so happy and pleased that it was rising beyond his initial target.”
Katie also reflected on the care her dad received at Nightingale House Hospice and how much it meant to their family.
She added: “Dad was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) when I was seven months pregnant. He was so excited about his first grandchild. It was a devastating blow to know that there wasn’t a cure.
“He went downhill fast, and we were put into contact with Nightingale House. He used to go to day care and have massage therapy, and he was taken onto the ward in August 2017 for pain management. He was surrounded by amazing doctors, nurses, and support staff who looked after him and us as a family.
“Dad deteriorated, but thanks to Alan from Nightingale House, he managed to meet Oliver at the hospital just hours after he had been born.
“Alan brought Dad in the hospice ambulance to meet Oliver and then took him back. It was such a special moment for Dad and me, and I will be forever grateful.
“We spent a week in Nightingale House with Dad before he sadly passed away, just eight days after Oliver was born. Since then, we’ve taken part in various fundraising events for the hospice, but this time it was Oliver who led the way.
“He is so happy to have earned his three robin badges and a robin ornament with Grandad’s name on it for outside the hospice – and another one to keep in our garden, through the Junior Robin Tribute Fund. He’s already looking forward to raising more money in the future.”
Thanking people who sponsored him to do the Wrexham Lantern Parade, Oliver said: “Thank you for all the sponsors, I am really happy I have raised £656 for Nightingale House so far.
“All the money will help lots of people who need help and support like grandad did.”
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