11-year-old Girl Wins Fundraising Award

This incredible 11-year-old has already raised over £10,000 for Bristol Children’s Hospital and shows no signs of stopping.

Meet Ayla. She spends her spare time creating artwork to fundraise for a cause close to her heart, and now her efforts have been recognised by the BBC’s Make a Difference Awards.

‘Ayla’s Arts’ began as part of a school project two years ago. The ‘Fiver Challenge’ helps bring the business world to life for primary school students.

Ayla got stuck in and created her own logo and name, learning about all things business. She did so well at the challenge that she even won an award out of the 26,000 children who applied. Go, Ayla!

And if that wasn’t enough, Ayla continued her business venture beyond school. This time around, Ayla wanted to give all the profits to the play therapy teams across the hospital, inspired by her own experiences in the hospital.

Children on the wards have also been involved in making their own work through the ‘Ayla’s Arts Trolley’, which visits nine wards in Bristol Children’s Hospital every week.

Play helps children in hospital feel happier, and Ayla’s Arts gives patients the perfect chance to get creative. In fact, the project has been so successful that Ayla and her mum, Hayley, delivers equipment regularly.

BBC Make a Difference Awards

After two years of fundraising, Ayla has been celebrated at the BBC Radio Cornwall Make a Difference Awards. The awards are a chance to say, ‘thank you’ and show recognition and appreciation for people who love to make life better for others. We can’t think of anyone better than Ayla to receive the fundraiser award.

As parents we are super proud of Ayla and everything she has achieved, during such difficult time. It shows the type of person that she is – she is always thinking of others and we are so happy she is able to make a difference to other children’s time spent in hospital. To us she is a warrior princess!

Hayley and Paddy, Ayla’s parents

You can now find Ayla at local fairs and festivals, selling her fantastic artwork. She uses paints and glitters to make her mini masterpieces. Check out her JustGiving page to find out more. 

To keep up with demand, our young fundraising hero wants to convert her garden shed into an art studio.

Ayla's arts at Bristol Children's Hospital — *Ayla visited Sian and Jo from the Play Department to donate more arts and crafts*

I was scared and nervous at the awards show but then luckily, I won! I will probably put my award in my bedroom.

– Ayla

We want to give a massive shout to Ayla for all her hard work. It’s only with the help of fantastic fundraisers like her that we can continue to support patients, parents, and staff at Bristol Children’s Hospital. 

We’re sure Ayla will soon give Alan Sugar a run for his money – watch this space. 