25 June 2025
Finley Sanderson, age 12, raises £700 for St Catherine’s Hospice with local scrap metal drive
A Kirkham Grammar schoolboy with a big heart and even bigger ideas has turned scrap into cash to support a local charity, raising an impressive £700 for St Catherine’s Hospice.
Finley Sanderson, a Year 7 student at Kirkham Grammar School, took it upon himself to rally his neighbours and local community, asking them to dig out their unwanted scrap metal in the name of charity, and tidying up in the process.
Finley, who has a strong interest in farming and a passion for networking with local agricultural businesses, came up with the idea after a chat with his grandad, Frank. He told him he wanted to "raise money for charity and have a good tidy-up too." Not one to waste time, Finley picked up the phone to family friend and well-known local businessman Pete Marquis, who kindly agreed to deliver a scrap bin to get the project rolling.
“I just wanted to have a tidy up at home and do something good in the process,” said Finley. “I thought, if Grandad and a few neighbours looked in their sheds, yards and fields we’d soon find enough scrap to fill a bin - and we did! I couldn’t believe how generous everyone was. I’m really happy the money is going to help people at St Catherine’s Hospice.”
Pete Marquis, a family friend and well-known businessman in the area, was quick to back Finley's plan. “When Finley rang me to tell me what he was planning, I thought it was a great idea and told him we’d donate the transport costs to his chosen charity. He’s a cracking lad with a great work ethic and a big heart. I’m proud to have played a small part in it.”
“Finley isn’t your average 12-year-old,” says his proud mum, Sheila. “He’s always networking with local farmers and business owners, and he just loves getting stuck into something worthwhile, especially if there’s a tractor involved. He’s a real people person.”
Finley is a huge fan of British farming YouTubers and proudly names Jeremy Clarkson as his top celebrity. “I’d love to meet him. He’s hilarious and has made people aware of how hard farming is,” Finley says.
Thanks to the overwhelming support of friends, family, and neighbours, the bin was filled - and when it was weighed in, the value came to £700, which Finley decided to donate to St Catherine’s Hospice, a local charity providing compassionate care for people facing life-shortening illnesses.
St Catherine’s Hospice has thanked Finley for his kindness and community spirit. A spokesperson said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Finley. It’s inspiring to see someone so young take the lead in making a difference. His donation will go a long way in supporting families who need it most.”
Finley’s initiative is a shining example of how the power of one good idea, a few kind neighbours, and a generous heart can come together to do something truly special.