A NINE-YEAR-OLD has raised £2,000 for Jersey Hospice Care at her ‘Dancing in the Light of Love’ event on Saturday in memory of her grandfather.
Isla Lappage came up with the idea for the event to create a sense of togetherness after losing a loved one. After pitching her plan to her mum, they worked together with Eve Studios and Jersey Hospice Care to make it happen.
Her vision was to put together a “joyful” afternoon of dancing, glitter, yoga, and kindness, allowing people a space to feel happy and heard while remembering people they had lost.
“I thought dancing and yoga and glitter would help people feel love again, even if they feel sad inside”, Isla said.
Isla wanted to create something happy in memory of her grandfather, who she described as funny and kind and recalled how they used to wind each other up.
“We would play jokes on each other and he’d let me do his hair. I miss his smile and cheeky laugh”, Isla said.
She recalled the “lovely” care her grandad received from the nurses at Jersey Hospice Care, and a nurse who helped her to feel better after her grandad’s passing.
Isla added: “Hospice care is free, but it costs a lot of money every day to keep it running, so I wanted to do something to help.
“I raised £2,000 for Hospice with the help of everyone donating, which has made me really happy.”
Sessions on the day included dance, zumba, and yoga lessons and face painting and smiles. Each class was £10, with proceeds going to Jersey Hospice Care.
Isla said her favourite part was the face painting and dancing, and explained how she loved to see everyone smiling.
After the success of Saturday, Isla said she is planning on creating more fundraising events.
“I am planning to do an event in the summer and would also like to do something with the Rugby club, so my mum is going to help me ask them”, she added.
For others her age who are inspired to do similar things, Isla encouraged them to “go for it” and to reach out for help if needed.
Isla’s mum, Abi Pearl Lappage, said that she couldn’t be prouder of her daughter.
She added: “What she has done is such an incredible achievement. Her kindness, determination, and hard work truly shone through on Saturday.
“I couldn’t be prouder if I tried. She melts my heart.”
