WHEN Anna Wallace’s aunt passed away unexpectedly she wanted to do something to help the hospice that cared for her.

The nine-year-old decided to donate her favourite toy Holly the Horse to Sobell House Hospice, at the Churchill Hospital in Headington, to raise some money because they had looked after her aunt, Vicky Parsons, from Oxford.

While the charity was originally going to hold a silent auction for Holly, it was suggested that the toy should be returned to Anna – with people being invited to give donations instead.

The youngster’s generous act has inspired the charity’s supporters to raise more than £400 so far. Anna, who will be reunited with Holly in time for Christmas, said: “It will be nice to get Holly back asI like playing horses.”

Mum Caroline Wallace, 48, from Hertfordshire, said: “At the end of September my lovely sister Vicky Parsons died. She was a mother of two lovely children and a producer at BBC Oxford for many years, giving up the post last year to work at Cornerstone in Didcot.

“I was sorting out a JustGiving page in memory of my sister for Sobell Hospice when my daughter said that she wanted to give something to the hospice too and suggested one of her favourite toys Holly the Horse. This story was put on the Sobell Hospice website and some kind person has offered to buy the toy back for Christmas for Anna for over £200. “ A further £200 has also been pledged.

Philippa Kennington, fundraising intern for Sobell House Hospice, said: “Anna's auntie was cared for by the amazing team at Sobell House and Anna wanted to say thank you by giving us something that means a lot to her, in the hope that it would raise the money needed to ensure that others would be looked after with as much love and support as her auntie received.

“Although she was not able to give money, Anna gave something very special, a true display of gratitude and kindness as well as our much loved Holly the Horse.”

Ms Kennington added: “It is amazing, not only is it raising money, it is such a lovely thing to do – it means quite a lot to us.”