Big-hearted Alana brings smiles and gifts to elderly

A VERY kind little girl from Newtownstewart has this week brought smiles and tears of joy to her elderly neighbours by surprising them with tasty scones, gingerbread men, and boxes filled with food and sealed with love.

Seeing the faces of others light up with joy means the world to Alana Hill, who told her mummy, Andrea Hill, at the start of the Covid-19 that she ‘wanted to do something’ to help people around the village.

What’s more, is that the nine-year-old girl has also recently helped raise £200 for the Newtownstewart Health Centre, something that Andrea says she did ‘out of the goodness of her own heart’.

“Alana is just a very nice and kind person, with a big heart and bigger dreams,” Andrea said. “She felt so happy on Monday after we made the delivery of treats to her neighbours.

“There were so many smiles, tears and thanks. These things are so inspiring to Alana who is always keen to help whoever she can.”

Fantastically Alana, currently a pupil at Newtownstewart Model PS and who will celebrate her 10th birthday in July, has been helped along in her fundraising efforts every step of the way by her supportive mum, family, and local community.

“We held a number of fundraising events, including a raffle, to help raise the money for the Newtownstewart Health Centre, and the money to buy food for the food boxes,” Andrea explained.

“The food boxes are made up by the amazing staff of Nisa, who have always been brilliant to us.

“My cousin, who is an excellent baker, made the scones and treats for us to gift to the elderly too.

“We’ve been very blessed with the help we’ve received across the Newtownstewart community.

“Really our fundraising efforts, spearheaded by Alana, have been made possible by the generosity of the local community,” she added.

“It’s been a team effort, and we are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported us.”

• To keep up-to-date with Alana and Andrea’s acts of kindness, aided by the Newtownstewart community, please visit their Facebook page ‘Time To Give Back’.