 Aimee Butler, the child who inspired the original campaign |
A successful children's welfare campaign inspired by a 10-year-old cancer sufferer has gone on to become a new national charity. The Fairy Box campaign, launched in Dundee last spring, gathers toys, books and games to help lift the spirits of ill children in hospital.
It was born out of the support given to Aimee Butler, from Dundee, as she was being treated for leukaemia.
The charity is now aiming to expand to every children's ward in Scotland.
The campaign attracted �10,000 in gifts and cash donations, which was enough for more Fairy Boxes at hospitals in Glasgow and Aberdeen as well as Dundee.
Aimee's mother Rosie Butler praised people who had given their support.
"From the moment that people heard about the campaign, we have had support from all walks of life - young and old alike, local businesses, as well as many fairy lovers and enthusiasts."
'Special magic'
Ms Butler, one of the charity trustees, added: "From Aimee's experience, the Fairy Box charity, today, stands by an open doorway that we hope will allow much more of this special magic to reach many more ill children in hospital."
The themed fairy boxes, which sit in the children's wards, cost about �350 to start and are filled with gifts of up to �10 in value.
The charity will also provide support to the families of ill children and the medical and nursing staff involved in their care.
Rosalie Wilkie, a consultant paediatrician at Ninewells Hospital has agreed to become its first patron.