A caring Sutton boy brought a smile to young hospital patients and nursing staff.

Sam Jones made the donation of £920 to the Children’s Ward at King’s Mill Hospital, via the Sherwood Forest Hospitals Charity.

It was part of the 11-year-old’s 11:11 charity mission — to donate to 11 worthy causes in as many months in memory of his father, Tom Jones, who died from cancer in 2021.

Sam’s project started with a sweet stall in his front garden, when he decided he wanted to donate money to Cancer Research. The fundraising then expanded into 11:11.

His mother, Nicola Jones, said the work was a great way for Sam, who has ADHD, to focus his energy into something positive.

“I’m proud of Sam, and it just shows that those diagnosed with ADHD can think outside the box and reach for the stars,” she said.

So far the youngster has raised more than £9,000 in 10 months, including the donation of £920 to the Children’s Ward at the Sutton hospital. The money was used to buy a large amount of toys for the ward, and craft materials for teenage mental health patients to be used as part of their therapy.

Sam also gained a donation of books from The Works, which was gifted to the unit.

He asked that £100 of the donation should help to staff on the unit, and this has been used to buy items for the staff room.
Ward sister Sarah Jenkins said: “Sam is such an inspirational young gentleman, and his donation will make such a big difference to young people staying on the ward.

“That he thought of the staff too and made sure there was money put aside for us just shows what a kind-hearted nature he has. Thank you so much to Sam and his family from all of us on ward 25.”

Sam is already planning to help charities in the run-up to Christmas, including Framework.