Dacorum schoolgirl's lockdown jokes raise hundreds for the NHS

A schoolgirl from Little Gaddesden has been writing daily jokes to keep people smiling during the coronavirus pandemic.

Lilly Odedra Sharma, seven, wanted to do something to support Raise - The West Hertfordshire Hospitals Charity - and make people happy, so her and her mum decided to do a Lilly's Lockdown Joke of The Day.

The jokes have been put on the forecourt of the family business, Little Gaddesden Village Store and Post Office, to make people smile and laugh.

Lilly has also set up a Just Giving page to raise money for the local NHS, and she has set up an Instagram page for her jokes.

Sonal, Lilly's mum, said: "The shop has stayed open during these difficult times and the whole village has been supporting us, it is a lovely village.

"Lilly has been writing a joke every day on the forecourt of the shop, they're really funny and she has been really enjoying it.

"Lots of people have come to see what she has been doing, and she now has an Instagram page for her jokes.

"When people are queuing for the shop they are looking at the jokes and she is putting a smile on people's faces.

"It is hard for children during these uncertain times but what she is doing making people laugh and I think it is great

"She has also set up a fundraising page to raise money for the local NHS and has nearly raised £2,000."

Raise is the charity dedicated to supporting patient care across Hemel Hempstead, Watford General and St Albans City hospitals.

To support Lilly's fundraising visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Lillys-LockdownJokes.

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