THERE are just a few days left to cast your vote for the Warrington charity set up in memory of a brave six-year-old who died almost three years ago.

William Fenton was born with a rare disease that affected his bowel – total intestinal aganglionosis – and in order to survive he was fed intravenously with total parenteral nutrition (TPN).

Sadly, William passed away in December 2019 when he was just six years old after developing complications.

The brave youngster’s parents Jane and David created William’s Gift in their son’s memory as a way of helping other families going through the same heart-breaking experiences.

Warrington Guardian: William Fenton was just six years old when he died in December 2019William Fenton was just six years old when he died in December 2019 (Image: Reader pic)

It’s this charity that is the Warrington representative in this year’s Cash for Charities campaign and it could take home a share of £16,000.

Our parent company’s charitable arm, The Gannett Foundation, is providing £128k in cash to support local charities across the country with a £16,000 share to distribute across the north west.

You have until this Sunday, November 20 to collect tokens printed inside the Warrington Guardian which can then be sent to collection points across the area or posted in to us.

Each token collected will be used to allocate the cash to the nominated charity – so if William’s Gift collects 50 per cent of all tokens collected it will receive 50 per cent of the £16,000.

William’s Gift provides ‘little boxes of smiles’ to children who are in hospital for long periods of time, ensuring they have lots of interesting things to keep them busy and entertained during their stay.

‘Little bags of help’ are packages for parents whose child has been admitted to hospital and might not have basic essentials like snacks and toiletries.

William’s mum Jane, who is one of the charity’s trustees, said: “After spending a lot of time in hospital, we tried to think of things that would help make those stays a little easier.

“The days can be long and boring for children so our little boxes of smiles needed to include items to keep them entertained while they’re in hospital. 

“We have had some fantastic messages and lovely feedback from the children who have received a special box.”

Chris Morris’ daughter Charlie received a box during her stay at Alder Hey, where she had just been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.

Chris said: “We received an art activity pack that had been created by William’s Gift.

“I sent the charity a thank you message and Jane kindly replied asking whether Charlie would like a little box of smiles.

“What arrived can only be described as a massive box of happiness.

“Charlie was on her second week in hospital and was struggling so she really needed a lift.

“I can never thank William’s Gift enough for thinking about us and for the difference their kindness made to all of us.
“They provided so much light when we were all feeling very dark.

“I don’t think Jane and David realise the impact they have on families and we will never forget what they did for us.”

Warrington Guardian: A little box of smiles from charity William's GiftA little box of smiles from charity William's Gift (Image: Reader pic)

To get this week’s token turn to page 32.

The deadline for votes is this Sunday, November 20.

You can post your tokens or drop them off at collection points which are located at the following places:

 

  • Asda Superstore (Birchwood Shopping Centre), 1 Dewhurst Road, Birchwood, WA3 7PG
  • Valli Opticians (Birchwood Shopping Centre), 1 Dewhurst Road, Birchwood, WA3 7PG
  • Marks and Spencer, Gemini Retail Park, Warrington, WA5 7WG
  • Asda Superstore, Westbrook Shopping Centre, Cromwell Avenue, Warrington, WA5 8UG
  • Tesco Extra, Winwick Road, Warrington, WA2 7NE
  • Sainsbury’s, 100 Church Street, Warrington, WA1 2TN
  • Asda Superstore (Cockhedge Shopping Centre), Warrington, WA1 2QA
  • Morrison’s, Greenhall’s Avenue, Warrington, WA4 6RN
  • One Stop, Callands Road, Warrington, WA5 9RJ