Hutton schoolboy’s first book raises over £2,000 for local NHS hospital

Ahaan Ram with his donation to Royal Preston Hospital

A nine-year-old from Hutton has raised more than £2,000 for his local NHS hospital by writing a book of stories and poems and asking for donations.

Ahaan Ram, who attends Ashbridge Independent School, wrote a series of short stories and poems to mark his ninth birthday on May 7, and had it published with the help of a family friend.

After receiving £2,275 in donations through his JustGiving page, Ahaan decided to give the money to the children’s department at Royal Preston Hospital.

Dr Geraldine Skailes, Medical Director at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We were so touched to hear of Ahaan’s fundraising efforts, and to write a book at his age is incredible!

“We want to say a huge thank you to Ahaan for choosing to donate the money to our children’s ward, and we have no doubts that it will really make a difference.

“Ahaan’s family must be very proud of him, and we are very grateful that such generous people are a part of our community.”

Paula Wilson, Head of Charities and Fundraising at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I’d like to thank Ahaan on behalf of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity for such a wonderful gesture, and one that will bring comfort to the children and young people in our hospitals who would much rather be at home with their loved ones. Ahaan, we think you are a superstar – thank you!”

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Ahaan’s father Dr Praful Ram, who is a GP at the Briarwood Medical Centre, said: “When Ahaan was shortlisted in a competition with the BBC for his fantastic writing abilities, we knew he was talented!

“We are so proud of him not only for his abilities at such a young age, but for his compassion for other children of his age and his generosity towards the NHS. We hope the money he raised will put a smile on the faces of the children and young people on the unit at Royal Preston Hospital.”

What do you think of Ahaan’s fundraising efforts? Tell us in the comments below.