One step at a time for young fundraiser Frances who is helping to tackle youth homelessness

At the age of just eight, young fundraiser Frances O’Neill is tackling the problem of youth homelessness one step at a time.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

She set herself a challenge of walking one mile per day for ten days in a bid to raise money for South Yorkshire charity Roundabout.

And although she started with a modest fundraising target of just £100, by the time the Oughtibridge Primary School pupil had completed her first five days she had already raised a fantastic £835.

Read More
'He was one of the good ones': Thousands raised in memory of Eastenders writer a...
Fabulous little fundraiser Frances O’NeillFabulous little fundraiser Frances O’Neill
Fabulous little fundraiser Frances O’Neill
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It all started because Frances has been working towards a Brownie Badge about having an impact on your community,” said mum Jess.

“Brown Owl asked the girls to think about the charities they would like to support and Frances decided she would like to support children and the homeless.

“She couldn’t believe that children could actually be homeless so when she saw the Roundabout website she knew it was the right one to support.

“She decided she would walk a mile a day for ten days and she’s been overwhelmed by the response.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We are unbelievably proud of her and everything she is achieving for Roundabout.”

Roundabout fundraising and communications manager Helen Mower commented: “Frances is a brilliant example to us all and proof that there’s no such thing as too young to achieve great things.

“We too are very proud of everything Frances is achieving and she can be assured that her fantastic efforts will have a direct impact on the work we are doing with vulnerable young people throughout South Yorkshire.”

*Roundabout is South Yorkshire’s youth homeless charity, supporting young people aged 16 to 25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The charity works with more than 200 young people every day, providing shelter, support and life skills to help them gain independence. Their hostel, near London Road, provides safe accommodation for 27 young people aged 16 to 21.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A spokesman said: “Roundabout is strongly committed to preventing young people from becoming homeless and believes home is the best place to be if it is safe to be there. Our Homeless Prevention Service offers advice and support to young people who are at risk of becoming homeless due to family relationship breakdown.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.