The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust was delighted to receive a cheque this week from the family of Ted Richards, a local primary school pupil, for over £2,200. Ted has been fundraising for the local wildlife charity all year selling copies of his very own comic book, written, illustrated and designed by him (with some small assistance from his dad). It includes stories, riddles and jokes, as well as several drawings and facts.
The comic was kindly printed by Scilly Flowers and sold for a £2 donation from Ted’s stand on Bryher, at his pop-up Saturday stall on St Mary’s and from outlets around the islands, including new café Ned & Fin’s. In total, over 1,000 copies were printed and sold to locals and holidaymakers, with several copies being posted across the UK and overseas.
Jaclyn Pearson, Development Manager for the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, said: “We are thrilled to receive Ted’s generous donation to the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust. When he presented us with the cheque at his school we were amazed by the amount. It represents not only a year of hard work and dedication from him, but also Ted’s huge passion for local wildlife. His efforts have surpassed all expectations.”
Ted Richards, seven-years-old, said: “The comic took a long time to make and I’m very happy with my drawings. At the beginning, I hoped to raise £1,000, so I’m so proud that I managed to more than double the target to help wildlife on Scilly.”
Alison Nimmo, Ted’s teacher at Five Islands Academy, said: "Ted's class gave him a resounding cheer when he told us how much he had raised. We are all very happy and proud for him. I think what he's achieved for the Wildlife Trust will certainly be an inspiration to others in the school, showing that age doesn't matter when it comes to putting your creativity and determination to use for good."
In return for his heroic efforts, Ted has received a ‘Wildlife Champion’ medal from the Trust, plus a signed copy of the book, Wildlings: how to raise your family in nature, by Steve Backshall and Helen Glover.
Jaclyn continued: “Ted’s comic is very timely for us. The Trust is committed to empowering the local community and visitors to take personal actions for wildlife, as part of the national ‘Nextdoor Nature’ initiative funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. UK nature needs more champions like Ted and we’re sure he’ll inspire more people – of any age – to take action for local wildlife.”
There are a handful of comic books left for sale. If you would like to receive one, please contact hello@ios-wildlifetrust.org.uk.
ENDS -
Notes to editors
For more information, contact Lucy McRobert, Communications Manager, Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust
07532 344933 lucy@ios-wildlifetrust.org.uk. Images available for one-time use in association with this story are here. Ted is available for short radio and television interviews at the discretion of his parents and his school teachers.
The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust is a locally-run conservation wildlife charity that champions, values and manages our island landscapes for the benefit of current and future generations. Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust Limited. Reg. Charity No. 1097807 Reg. Company No. 04726698.
ios-wildlifetrust.org.uk