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Seven-year-old from Harrietsham sells artwork to raise money for bereavement charity, Holding On Letting Go

A seven-year-old has sold dozens of drawings to raise money for a bereavement charity, following the death of his great-grandad.

Oliver, from Harrietsham, decided to fundraise for Holding On Letting Go (HOLG) after they helped him to process his grief.

Oliver (left) sat outside his home in Harrietsham to sell his drawings. Picture: HOLG
Oliver (left) sat outside his home in Harrietsham to sell his drawings. Picture: HOLG

The charity first met Oliver when he attended a bereavement support weekend.

He was struggling with his thoughts and feelings after his great-grandad died earlier in the year.

Having found the weekend useful in helping him to manage his grief, Oliver decided he wanted to “pay back” and turned to his love of drawing.

He held a stall outside his family home and sold his artwork to friends, family, neighbours and the local community.

He was even asked for a commission – to draw a picture of a local lady’s dog who had died.

The seven-year-old drew dozens of pictures to fundraise for the charity that helped him. Picture: HOLG
The seven-year-old drew dozens of pictures to fundraise for the charity that helped him. Picture: HOLG

First hoping to achieve £200 on his JustGiving page, the seven-year-old has now raised more than £400.

It costs £300 for a bereaved child to attend one of the charity’s therapeutic weekends, so Oliver has made sure that another child can be supported.

HOLG’s clinical lead, Debbie McSwiney, recently met up with the little artist to give him a certificate to say thank you.

Oliver’s mum, Louise, has now organised another fundraising event.

Candlelit Memories is a memorial to allow people to come and remember their loved ones.

Debbie McSwiney, clinical lead from Holding on Letting Go, presented Oliver with a thank you certificate. Picture: HOLG
Debbie McSwiney, clinical lead from Holding on Letting Go, presented Oliver with a thank you certificate. Picture: HOLG

It is from 4pm to 7pm tomorrow (December 3) at Harrietsham Village Hall in Church Road.

Guests will be able to light a candle, send a letter to heaven, write Christmas tree messages, enjoy hot food and drink, as well as browsing market stalls.

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