Polly Taylor from the Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre in Monson Road says she was ‘overwhelmed’ when the four youngsters walked in with the money earlier this month.
The penny challenge was the brainchild of 14-year-old Elvis Dunjohn, a Tunbridge Wells Boys Grammar School pupil, who got the idea from a class project.
He said: “We were on our Easter holidays and I wanted to do something to help small local charities that are trying to make a difference, and as we had done the penny challenge at school I thought it would be a good way to raise money.
“The idea is you start with a penny and trade up, buying and selling things until you reach your target.”
Along with pals Emily Hitchell, Sammy Lampitt and Basil Aramankuzhy, the quartet made their first trade by swapping the penny for a pen.
“We went to Southborough Library, and they gave us a pen for the penny after we told them what we are doing,” Emily explained.
“We then traded that with people we came across and the local shops, until we had enough money to buy some cornflakes and chocolate, which we made some cakes that we sold for £1.50 each.
“We also received a lot of cash donations.”
Following their day of trades on April 4, the four friends walked into Pickering and handed over their profits – £100.
“I was overwhelmed with emotion when they walked in,” Polly Taylor at the charity said. “They were on their school holidays and to put themselves out like this for us is truly inspirational.
