A KIND-HEARTED Alexandria boy has opted to forego birthday presents and ask his pals to donate to Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) in Balloch instead.

Harry Hose, who now lives in Bearsden, and his family celebrated his big day by taking 25 of his friends to a pantomime in Glasgow, and he decided to ask his school friends to make a donation to the national children’s hospice service charity Robin House base, instead of buying him a birthday present.

Harry’s proud mum, Lesley McLellan, told the Reporter: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of Harry’s friends and parents and the response to his fund-raising has been incredible – his fund-raising page has already reached an amazing £365.

“Harry has really enjoyed fundraising for CHAS, and we’re really proud of him.

“We wanted to raise funds for the charity as Harry went to Gartocharn Nursery and Primary near to Robin House.”

CHAS is the only charity in Scotland that provides hospice services for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions.

The charity also offers palliative care and respite for the whole family via its two hospices, Rachel House in Kinross and Robin House in Balloch, and its CHAS at Home service, which supports families in their own homes across the whole of Scotland.

Jonathan Clegg, community fundraiser for CHAS, said: “We are delighted with the response to Harry’s fundraising, his thoughtful gesture is truly appreciated.

“This is a big year for CHAS. There are 15,400 children and young people in Scotland with a life-shortening condition and we are determined to be there for all of those children and their families.

“Every penny raised will help us make sure that no matter how short a time families have together may be, it is filled with joy and happiness.

“At CHAS, we would like to thank Harry and everyone who has donated to his fundraising page – so very kind.”

Harry’s JustGiving page is still open and those wishing to donate should visit justgiving.com/Harryhose10.

For more information on the charity and the work it does, contact Jonathan on jonathanclegg@chas.org.uk or by calling 0141 779 6196.