Nine-year-old girl raises cash for Help the Heroes (From Borehamwood Times)

Nine-year-old Parkside School, Borehamwood, girl raises cash for Help the Heroes

12:50pm Friday 19th October 2012 in News By Anna Slater

After being inspired by a Help for Heroes advert in her calendar, nine-year-old Valentina Visciano was determined to find a way to help.

So the Parkside School pupil put her apron on, got her mixing bowl out and held a cake sale for her friends – and raised £63 for the cause.

After hearing her touching story, Borehamwood Rotary Club member Barbara Kennedy invited war hero Derek Derenalagi to visit the Aycliffe Road, Borehamwood, school.

Paralympics discus thrower Mr Derenalagi, who lost both legs in Afghanistan five years ago, told the children about the challenges he overcame at an assembly on Tuesday, October 16. 

Valentina, who is in year six, said: “I really loved doing the cake sale, it was so much fun and some of my friends even came to help me.

“I just thought the war heroes were amazing and so decided I should try and raise money for them.

“Meeting Derek was really scary at first because he competed in the Paralympics, but then I got to hear his story and thought he was really cool.”

Valentina proudly presented Mr Derenlagi, who narrowly missed out on a medal at the Games, with a cheque of all the cash she raised in front of the rest of the primary school. 

She know hopes to continue her fundraising feat for the charity and is already brainstorming what she can do next.

Headmistress of the school, Julie Muncey, said: “I just could not believe it when she came to me of her own accord and said she wanted to raise the money.

“I am incredibly proud of Valentina, she is a fantastic pupil with a funny personality and a huge inspiration to everyone.”