LEGO, Hoverboards and Minions were all items on many children’s Christmas lists, but for one young animal lover all he wanted was to make a donation. 

Nine-year-old Lewis Cleghorn, from Kempshott, told Father Christmas that his only wish was to donate money to the RSPCA. 

The Kempshott Junior School pupil had his wish come true, and managed to raise £125 thanks to the generosity of family and friends, which he selflessly donated to the animal 
rescue charity.

Lewis and his mother Donna, 46, went into the RSPCA store in London Road, Basingstoke to hand the money to store manager Meg Gadd.

Donna said: “I felt so proud when he handed the money over, I started to get a little bit choked up. But he did this for no other reason than to help animals. 

“We asked him about writing a Christmas list and he was insistent that all he wanted was money to 
donate to the RSPCA.

“He even wrote a letter to Father Christmas saying ‘I would like to inform you that all I would like is money for the RSPCA'.”

When word spread among Lewis' friends and family about his Christmas wish, the money began to build. 

Donna said her son has always loved animals and wants to be an animal rescuer when he grows up. 

Mrs Gadd told The Gazette: “I was amazed that someone so young had raised such a staggering amount just for his love of animals. 

“It is absolutely wonderful to meet someone who has such a passion for animals. 

“I told him when he’s older to come see me and we can get him going towards helping animals.”