Schoolgirl set for Loch Ness challenge to support local children without a bed

A twelve year old from Stoke-on-Trent is set to embark on a lengthy trek - spanning just under 40 kilometres -to raise funds for children who do not have a bed of their own.

Fran, of Stoke-on-Trent, decided she wanted to support local charity Emmaus North Staffs after learning about their Beds for Kids campaign, and in June is set to walk the length of Loch Ness, in Scotland.

The charity - who work to end furniture poverty - launched ‘Beds for Kids’ in 2022 following an increasing demand to support families in providing bed packs for children.

In the last year 60 bed packs - which include a brand new bed, bedding and mattress - have been delivered throughout Stoke-on-Trent and surrounding areas.

Each bed packs costs £225 each and with Fran’s support in raising awareness, the charity are hoping to get closer to this year’s target of providing 200 local children with a bed.

“It’s amazing what Fran is doing to support us,” says John Webbe, Executive Lead at Emmaus North Staffs.

“Walking the length of Loch Ness is no easy challenge and we wish her all the best and say a huge thanks in supporting Beds for Kids. Since launching the campaign we have received some great feedback from local families who have said how much a bed means to a child and can help to transform their lives.”

Fran said: “When I learned about the charity’s Beds for Kids campaign I wanted to help where I could. It’s very sad to learn how many children are without a bed  and I could not imagine what it is like. If I can help to raise awareness I will.

Frans mum, Kelly will be assisting Fran for the mammoth charity challenge which is set to start from 3 June.

“I am so proud of Fran for wanting to do this,” adds Kelly.

“She has helped with charity fundraisers in the past and wanted to support a local charity. The work which the charity does is incredible really and when Fran said she wanted to help with their campaign I was more than happy to support her.”

Emmaus North Staffs supports around 800 vulnerable individuals and families every year with free furniture and household goods by working with local councils and housing associations.

Emmaus North Staffs have a large charity shop located in the Potteries Centre in Hanley, and a Furniture and Home Charity Emporium in Etruria - both are open to the public and funds raised go towards the charity’s cause.

To follow Fran’s journey and to support her fundraiser please visit the Go Fund Me Page - Helping Children Living in Poverty

More details about the Beds for Kids campaign can be found here - https://emmaus.org.uk/north-staffs/beds-for-kids/