Salisbury schoolboy wins lockdown writing competition

The charity launched the short story writing competition in June, to give children an activity while schools were closed, with entrants asked to donate to them.

The stories sent in were judged by best-selling author Minette Walters.

She's been a patron of Julia's House children's hospice for many years, and went to school at Salisbury's Godolphin.

Minette says choosing the winners hasn't been easy:

"The judges were impressed by all the stories, but particularly those where the writers allowed their imaginations to fly. To view lockdown through the eyes of a fox, a worm, a fairy or even the virus itself brought colour, life and humour to 'a different summer', and those were the stories we chose as our winners. Nevertheless, the decisions weren't easy and we commend every child who entered."

WIN FOR JOSIAH FROM SALISBURY

Eight year old Josiah Massey has been named as the winner of the age 5 to 9 category.

He wrote a story about coronavirus attacking humans, which the judges said was written with 'verve, fun and colour'.

Josiah explained where he got his inspiration:

"I brainstormed lots of ideas about what makes this summer different and the idea of writing about a virus stuck in my head. I enjoy learning about the human body and I want to be a doctor when I grow up. My favourite part of the story is when Victor says 'It's a legend come true' as it sounds mysterious. I was really excited when I found out I had won, I didn't expect to win at all so it was a big exciting shock. It makes me feel proud that I am a good writer and helps me believe I can write in the future."

His twin brother Reuben was among those highly commended in the same section.

The 10 to 16 category was won by Deya Piperkova, who's 11 and from Calne.

Thomas Baker-Onuyancha, 11, from Coombe Bissett was highly commended in that section.

Each of the winners has received £100 as their prize, with the runners-up getting £25 each.

You can read and listen to the winning stories on the Julia's House website.

JULIA'S HOUSE STILL FEELING EFFECTS OF COVID-19

The children's hospice, which provides support and respite care to children with life-limiting conditions and their families in Wiltshire and Dorset, remains on standby for the NHS to use their facilities during the Covid-19 crisis.

Their carers are still helping families, but in their own homes, following Government protocol on PPE and hygiene measures.

The charity's suffered a huge drop in their income this year, due to cancelled events and their fundraising shops being closed for a time during lockdown.

Julia's House doesn't receive any Government funding for its work in Wiltshire.