A CARING Social Work student at raising money for Oswestry's Hope House at Wrexham Glyndwr University has taken her voluntary work fundraising for charity online – with a week of social media fun.

Caroline Blair will be running an online creative week on Facebook throughout the first week of August – with those joining in with the activities being asked to make a donation to help fund the work of Hope House children’s hospice in Morda.

The week – which begins this Sunday, August 2 – will host a range of events for people of all ages to get involved with.

Caroline said: “We’re asking for a suggested donation to join the group and then people can access whenever.

“I am aiming for varied content for adults and youngsters – and we have some children's activities too.

“I just wanted a real range of things everyone could enjoy at some point during the week and for it to appeal to many.

“The week will include blogs, yoga, mindfulness, recipe ideas and bike tips – for anyone taking part in Hope House’s 100 mile cycle challenge throughout August.

“There will also be music and poetry sharing, children's story reading, sign language sessions and various other things.

“People I have contacted have been great helping me get content together to share which I'm really grateful for.”

The idea for the event came to Caroline after the volunteering she had been doing for Hope House alongside her degree studies was put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.

She said: “I was working full time before I came back to study social work, so didn't have as much time to give. Once I started my course and had the

extra time I chose to get involved with Hope House and a few charity projects, which has been really rewarding.

“I was meant to do the Chester half marathon for them and help out at the charity/hospice itself in Oswestry a bit more during the holidays – before everything changed!

“I have continued trying to come up with fundraising ideas through the pandemic, as so many events are cancelled.

“I wanted to still try and give something back during these difficult/uncertain times but wasn't sure how it would work.

"Then I came up with a couple of online/virtual event ideas and that is how my ‘Online Creative Week’ began!”

Fundraising team leader, Lynsey Kilvert, said: “As a fundraising team we are having to be creative to find ways making sure we are able to bring in much needed funds, and it’s great that supporters like Caroline are doing the same.

“This is a brilliant idea and has taken a great deal of organising by Caroline, so if you are looking for a week packed with virtual activities then make sure you’re taking part.”

To find out more or sign up for the week, search for “Online Creative Week in support of Hope House Children's Hospice.” Suggested donations of £10 are invited.