For the last few months Ashton Fulcher, known as Pallet Teen, has been very busy working on his Christmas projects all in aid to help other young people.
The Ipswich teenager with a passion for woodwork is still finishing the orders for palette Christmas trees.
At the same time he has organised a raffle in aid of The Bumblebee Children's Charity.
Ashton's mum, Anna Fulcher, said: “Ashton is brilliant at thinking of new ideas he wants to try and suggested making a special bespoke pallet tree that he could raffle off to raise money for the charity.
“We didn't know how well it would go, but it was amazing. He raised £182 in ticket sales, then a local company 'Chim Chimney' made the money up to £300, and then 'Plumbing Trade Supplies' matched the ticket sale money.
“Local companies have been brilliant and so supportive. The money is really going to a fantastic charity.
“He also thought about asking local companies to sponsor a tree and decorate it in their branding. It was lovely to see companies join in and raise more money for Geewizz.”
Ashton has also taken part at his first Christmas market at Venue 16, which went really well and the feedback he received was “brilliant”.
Mrs Fulcher added: “As his parents, it was lovely to see his confidence grow and grow.”
Ashton, who spends every afternoon after school and all the weekends working on his projects in the garden shed, said that his motivation comes from wanting to fulfil his customers' orders and raising as much money as possible for charity.
His mum said: “Some days he finds it really tough because he has school, cadets and plays football for local club Ipswich Valley Rangers.
“Ashton has football training after school during the week and football matches on most weekend mornings, so time is short when he has a lot of orders to make.”
Ashton said that his uncle Sprock, who had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and died in 2021 is his biggest inspiration.
The teenager chose to fundraise for GeeWizz charity as they support his other uncle who has the same condition.
Ashton said: “I’d like to thank companies that have helped me throughout the year: Smart Garden Offices, Ipswich Trade Centre, Plumbing Trade Supplies, Smart Heating Solutions, Jamie Mouse Transport Ltd, Clarkes of Walsham and Resolve Environmental Solutions.”
Once all his orders are collected, Ashton will then announce the amount his been able to raise for GeeWizz Charity this Christmas season.
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