Picket Piece teen and horse raise hundreds for Comic Relief

Tiesha-Marie Mitchell got £101 in donations after dressing up her pony, Dobby, in red and taking it around neighbours’ houses, allowing them to take pictures and hold the horse. Participants were asked to sanitise their hands before and after to remain Covid-safe.

The 13-year-old said that she “feels good” to have been able to raise money as a part of Red Nose Day.

Animals have long been a part of the life of Tiesha-Marie’s family, with her grandmother, Lynette Aylett, saying they were “a very animal-focused bunch”.

She said: “It’s a family thing. I’ve been a horse judge for a long time, and used to run a dog show for Hampshire Greyhound Rescue.

“Tiesha has been mucking around with horses since she was 10.”

Following some fundraising at her school, and with the help of her grandmother, Tiesha-Marie decided she wanted to raise some money for good causes by taking Dobby, dressed up in red ribbons, to meet the neighbours.

“It’s something nice to do,” she said. “Everyone was pretty good and said yes to giving. Everyone was really nice, with people taking pictures and holding Dobby.”

She was encouraged by Lynette, who said it was a “good idea” people get to see animals during lockdown.

“It’s nice to get children out to see them,” she said, “as they haven’t been able to see animals as much during lockdown. It’s good for their mental health and it’s so good of her [Tiesha-Marie].

“I wasn’t expecting the response she got. I’d like to thank all the people who did donate to such a good cause. I know it’s hard at the moment, but it’s lovely they can give something to help others.”

In all, Tiesha-Marie raised £101 through donations, all of which will be going to Comic Relief.

“It feels good to have that,” she said, “so it can go to people in need and raise funds. Not everyone has everything.”

If you missed out this time, don’t worry! Tiesha-Marie is planning on doing some more fundraising with Dobby for Children in Need later this year.