FUNDRAISING is the heartbeat of any community and an eight-year-old girl is set to help a hospital with her own special event.

Young Mary Land-Wilkins has arranged to host her own charity sale to help raise funds for Basingstoke Hospital Neonatal Unit.

It’s not the first time the Four Lanes Junior School pupil has set up a fundraiser – at the age of six-years-old she sold her unwanted toys to friends and neighbours outside her house.

That time she raised approximately £20 for the hospital.

And her generosity and enthusiasm for fundraising has even surprised her mum Georgina.

“She has accumulated a huge amount of unwanted toys to sell, all in fabulous condition, and has used her own money to buy sweets to sell,” Mrs Land-Wilkins said.

“I am constantly amazed at the amount of energy and drive she has.”

She added: “The Chineham Arms have kindly agreed to allow her to use a space in their garden for the charity sale and are even hosting a pub quiz with all proceeds from the quiz going to Mary’s cause.

“Mary is just so delighted that everyone is getting behind her to help her raise money. We are just crossing our fingers now for some nice weather.”

The sale takes place on Sunday April 2, between 3pm and 5pm in the Chineham Arms pub, in Ajax Close.

Mary said: “I want to help people who aren’t as lucky as I am.

“I want to help the poorly babies and given them a better chance. I like helping people and I love meeting people.”

She added: “I’m sure I will fundraise when I’m older as it makes me happy to help people and make them smile.”