Why Stephen Fry and Dame Judi Dench are rallying behind a Dumfries toddler


A toddler from Dumfries has raised thousands of pounds for the NHS by collecting pebbles and bagging celebrity endorsements.

Beatrice George, 20 months, Kingholm Quay, has collected hundreds of pebbles near the family's home during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Her parents noticed her love for pebbles while on one of their daily walks and thought they could try to receive some donations.

He dad, Matthew George, said : "Ever since she started walking she's been picking up pebbles and stones - anything she finds on the floor. She takes an interest in everything she sees.

"We've got friends who work for the NHS. We've got friends who are nurses, a ffiend who is a doctor. Right at the start, the initial target was just £50. We thought that was a reasonable target to set, and we've just hit just over £2,000 in the last few days."

And more money is sure to be raised following a long list of celebrity endorsements.

A long list of celebs have supported Beatrice. Credit: ITV News

Big names such as Dame Judi Dench, Stephen Fry and John Barrowman are among the 100 celebrities and politicians who have warmly welcomed her efforts.

In an online video, Stephen Fry said: "Just wanting to send you my love, thanks and complete admiration for everything you've done for the NHS by walking along and around the beautiful Dumfries collecting pebbles and persuading people to give money to the frontline workers."

Dame Judi Dench said: "Beatrice, I am told that you've collected pebbles and that way you've made an enormous amount of money for the NHS and you're only 18 months old! So, I'm here to send you my love and say I collect pebbles too!"

Her parents say some of the celebrities have even donated themselves. They've been overwhelmed by the support and kindess for their daughter and say she'll continue exploring and raising money.