A 10-YEAR-OLD boy is collecting Christmas gifts for children in hospital, saying that he ‘wants to make people smile’.

Freddie Belcher began his appeal after watching an advertisement of sick children and wanted to make a difference.

“Me and my mum saw an advert with children in hospital and it made me think that not all children are lucky enough or well enough to be at home with their families at Christmas,” said Freddie.

“I want them to know that people do think about them, and I want to make them smile.”

Freddie is collecting selection boxes along with teddy bears, for children with allergies or unable to eat.

He has so far collected around 18 chocolate boxes and 10 teddy bears for the Kingfisher ward at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester.

Freddie’s mum, Claire Belcher, said he is a “kind and caring boy” and is striving to be an RAF pilot.

“He wants to be an RAF pilot and has done since he was five years old,” said Claire.

“He has already researched what he needs to become part of the RAF and is looking forward to joining the Air Cadets when he turns 12.

“He loves the Red Arrows and Typhoon and loves the movie Top Gun but most importantly he likes to see people happy.”

Claire said Freddie saw a charity advertisement on TV with sick children and told her that he wanted to help.

“I think it made him quite upset,” said Claire.

“He’s seen adverts like that before but I don’t think he really took any notice before, I think it’s something he started to realise as he’s gotten older.”  

The family from Poole said they chose the hospital in Dorchester, in hopes of spreading festive cheer across all areas not just locally.

Claire said the public have been “really supportive” and praised Freddie for his kindness.

Freddie and Claire are planning to donate the chocolate boxes and teddies to the hospital on December 20. 

To donate to Freddie’s appeal contact @freddie.belcher.2024 on Facebook.