Malik Ouzia writes about Christmas project

A group of Ealing teenagers have decided to give something back to their community...by raising funds for the children's ward at their local hospital.

The project, called 'It Takes A Community To...' , will see the youngsters take part in a series of charity events, with the launch night set to take place later this month.

All the money raised will go towards buying Christmas presents for children in hospital over the festive period, a condition the project's organisers were keen on. "We all understand the importance of medical equipment and what it does for saving lives," said Patima Shareefy, 17, who leads the project alongside fellow Drayton Manor High School student Nicol Sikorski, also 17, "however, we wanted to make this project more meaningful on a close, human level. Giving presents to local children just like us seemed like the perfect way to do that'.

The projects launch night, hosted by Ealing Cricket Club on the 11th October is already sold out but organisers have promised more events in the build up to Christmas.

Perhaps the most exciting of all will see Patima's younger brother Ahmed Shareefy take part in a sky dive. "I've never skydived before and if I'm honest I'll probably be absolutely terrified. But it's one of those things you have to try once in your life and doing it for such a good cause makes it worthwhile".

The plans for the projects finale, nearer to Christmas, are yet to be finalised but Sikorski promised a bigger event; "it'd be nice if the last event was a big one where the whole community could get in the Christmas spirit and get involved so we'll works towards something on a bigger scale".

October 9th 2013