KINDHEARTED youngster Ryley Newman wanted to bring a smile to the faces of disabled children - so he offered to give them his toys.


His mum, Tanita, thought it was a good idea - but then she came up with a better one.


With Ryley’s sixth birthday coming up, she suggested perhaps donations instead of presents might raise money for charity and Ryley was happy to oblige.


Tanita said: “He said he wanted to give his toys to charity.


“I said perhaps ask for donations instead of presents from the children coming to his party and he said he wanted the money to go to disabled children.”


Ryley has invited 30 friends to join the celebrations at the Highwoods Activity Centre at the Gilberd School in Colchester.


The money raised will be given to the Colchester Children’s Charity to be passed on to the 100,000 Smiles appeal.


The appeal, supported by the Gazette, is aiming to raise £100,000 to create a play area for the disabled children at Lexden Springs School in Halstead Road, Colchester.


Tanita said the plans fitted together perfectly as her sister, Paige, 16, is a student at the school.


She said: “I spoke to Ryley about not getting presents from his friends and he said ‘You don’t need 30 presents’."

Money raised from his selfless act will boost the appeal to pay for specialist equipment for the school’s much-needed play area.


The total raised so far stands at £34,000 but more donations are desperately needed.


To contribute to the fundraising appeal, send a cheque to the Lexden Springs Appeal Fund at Lexden Springs School, Halstead Road, Colchester, CO3 9AB.
If you are fundraising for them, contact them via email at appealfund@lexdensprings.essex.sch.uk.