Hatton-based charity hoping residents will support them through buying one of their masks

A Hatton-based children’s charity is hoping locals can help raise funds and awareness for their cause while abiding by a new law making face masks mandatory in shops and supermarkets.

The obligation to wear a face covering in English shops comes into force today (Friday) with fines of up to £100 for anyone who fails to comply.

Customised masks are available to buy for £7.50 from Molly Olly’s Wishes, which supports children with terminal and life-limiting illness and their families.

The charity was established in 2011 following the death of Rachel and Tim Ollerenshaw’s eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer and grants wishes and donates therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.

Its mascot is a therapeutic toy lion called Olly The Brave who has his own Hickman line and a detachable mane which helps to explain and normalise the effects of chemotherapy.

These form part of an Olly The Brave pack that has now been handed out to more than 40 hospitals, along with a book from the charity’s exclusive Olly The Brave series.

But the charity has been forced to find new ways of fundraising to compensate for lost proceeds throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the cancellation of all its planned fundraising events, amounting to a forecast loss of £250,000 the charity failed to qualify for any cash grants.

Founder Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “Like so many other charities, businesses and organisations the pandemic has been tough for Molly Olly’s. Fundraising has been hit hard and making sure we keep the charity in people’s minds is important.

The Molly Olly masks are a way to help raise both funds and awareness.

“We have sent masks as far afield as Blackpool and Cardiff so far. Please help Molly Olly’s to support children with life-threatening illnesses.”

The washable cotton masks are produced by Henley Printing and are priced at £7.50.

Orders can be taken via [email protected]

Further information about Molly Olly’s Wishes or details of how to donate can be found at: www.mollyolly.co.uk or contact Rachel on 07747 854914.