AN 11-year-old chatterbox has challenged herself with a sponsored silence to raise money for the hospital ward which cared for her poorly baby sister.
Mackenzie Kittle Purcell, from Southend, hopes to raise more than £300 for the Special Care Baby Unit at Southend Hospital.
Her baby sister, Franchesca, was born on Friday, June 7, and immediately went into distress, requiring resuscitation.
Despite the family anticipating a longer stay, because of the care she received Franchesca had to stay in the ward for just two days.
Mackenzie said: “I know it’s going to be difficult for me because at home I never stop talking – even on my school report, my teachers said that I’m always talking!”
Mackenzie’s original target was £150, which she has already beaten.
She intends to carry on fundraising for the ward even after the sponsored silence has been completed on Saturday, September 28.
To sponsor Mackenzie, visit www.justgiving.com/ mackenzie01
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