Boy sells toys for cancer charity in mum's memory

Ernie sold his toys at a table top sale with his grandma, Julie Wright

A 10-year-old boy has sold his unwanted toys to raise money for a breast cancer charity after he lost his mother to the disease when he was six-years-old.

Ernie, from Beverley, set up stall at the Skirlaugh Village Hall on Sunday, supported by his grandma, Julie Wright, 62, and raised £60 for Breast Cancer Now.

His mum, Vicki, who died in 2021, ran an antiques and collectibles business and Ms Wright said it was ingrained in her sons about helping and supporting others.

Ernie said: "I like fundraising because it helps people in need and it stops other children from going through what I went through with my mum."

Vicki had been in remission before she was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time

Former nurse Ms Wright, who looks after Ernie and his 14-year-old brother, Alfie, said Ernie was "very caring".

She described him as being "beyond his years" and "really funny".

Vicki, who was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, died on 14 February 2021 after her cancer returned for a second time.

Ms Wright said the Covid-19 lockdown "was a gift" for Vicki, as her boys were off school and she was able to make memories by spending time with them.

She described her daughter as a "force to be reckoned with", with a "fighting spirit".

"She just absolutely adored the boys," she said. "Both boys are just chips off the old block."

She said she took the pair into her shop and gave them a little corner where they could sell their toys.

"She just instilled that spirit in them," she said.

Julie says Vicki was "always raising money for something", even when she was ill

Ms Wright, who had previously completed the London Marathon, wanted to raise more money having struggled to finish it this year due to the heat.

Ernie then decided to set up a stall at a regular table top sale at the village hall.

"My favourite part about Sunday was when my auntie came over and I managed to sell her a game that had some parts missing to it. She still went ahead and gave me £1.50."

A lot of the money came from donations from people who knew the family's story, Ms Wright said.

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