TWO five year-old best friends raised an incredible £500 for a children’s hospice.

Eleanor Haywood, from Tottington, and Olive Shaw, from Holcombe, both had their birthdays last week and celebrated with a special party — with a twist.

Instead of asking presents to mark the big day, Ellie and Olive decided they would ask their friends and family to donate to Francis House, in Parrs Wood, Manchester.

Ellie’s mum, Claire Haywood, said: “They are absolutely delighted, and we are so proud of them.”

Mrs Haywood and her husband are having a ‘giving back’ year, teaching their daughter about the importance of helping others less fortunate than her.

“She is an only child so she always gets what she want, so we are trying to teach her that it is important to give back.

“At the hospital, Ellie saw this little boy who was going through chemo and had a feeding tube and she knew she wanted to help.

“Children’s charities are so vital and I’m just so proud of them.

“They absolutely understand at that age the importance of charity and helping others.”

The 42-year-old, who works for Greater Manchester Cancer, added she and Olive’s mum, Louise Shaw, feel that despite their age is important for the girls to learn about giving back to those less fortunate, particularly the hospice.

“We are hoping this might encourage other parents to do the same, as in today’s society, children have too much and most presents given remain unwanted or un-used,” added Mrs Haywood. “It’s my pledge for the year for my family give back, and we are planning to do loads for local charities this year. In my work with Greater Manchester Cancer, we are looking at improving cancer services in Greater Manchester and we have close links to the cancer hospitals and hospices in the region, so I know what a fantastic organisation Francis house is and they rely so much on donations to support the hospice and the children.”

The Disney princess-themed party was held at It’s My Party in Burnley, Lancashire, and the girls, who both in reception class at Holly Mount RC Primary School, in Holcombe, had a “magical day”.

The venue thought what Ellie and Olive did was so generous they gave them a voucher to visit again. The girls have been invited to an open day at Francis House in May, to have a tour of the facilities and to thank them both.