A SIX-year-old Dalmuir girl has become the youngest ever fundraising volunteer for national charity Caudwell Children.

The charity, whose Family Support programme in Scotland was set up with Big Lottery funding, provides practical and emotional support for disabled children and their families.

Jennifer Kemp, a pupil at St Stephen’s Primary, decided to raise money for the charity after her mother, Sharon, aged 29, was selected as a volunteer on the charity’s annual Destination Dreams holiday to Disney World in Florida.

The holiday gives 25 children, with life limiting or life threatening illnesses, the opportunity to experience a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disney World.

Proud mum Sharon, a customer service analyst for Barclays Wealth and Investment Management, said: “I desperately wanted to be chosen as a volunteer on the Destination Dreams trip, as it’s such a rewarding experience, but I have to admit that when I heard that I had been selected I was extremely nervous about how Jennifer would react.

“Obviously, she’s aware that the charity has to raise money to cover the associated costs of the holiday, but I simply couldn’t believe it when the first thing that she said, when I told her that I was going, was 'what can I do to help raise the money mummy?’ “It was so sweet. She didn’t say that she didn’t want me to go and start feeling sorry for herself, she was just supportive, extremely excited, and began coming up with loads of ideas on how we could raise the cash.” Jennifer has registered for the Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run Family Mile on Saturday, October 3. The youngster has also planned a bucket collection dressed as a princess.

Mum Sharon said: “Jennifer has also arranged a barbecue on Saturday, July 25. I’m trying to reign in some of her more wacky ideas — like selling tomatoes to our neighbours — but I don’t want to quell her passion.” Victoria Bruce, the charity’s family services coordinator for Scotland, said: “It’s tremendous to see so much compassion in someone so young. Jennifer visited Disney World when she was three-years-old and she really wants to help disabled children to have the same magical experience that she had.

“I’m always on the lookout for volunteers and fundraisers so hopefully, people will follow Jennifer’s lead. With the public’s support we can deliver even more specialist equipment, therapies, treatments and family support services, to the 770,000 registered disabled children in the UK.” You can support Jennifer and Sharon through their Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/Sharon-Kemp4/ You can also donate by texting 70070 with KEMP86 followed by the amount you wish to donate.