Solihull brothers invited to the House of Commons for Arthur Labinjo Hughes fundraising

Buck It Boys Bazzie and Joshua Hines are raising money and smiles with their inspirational campaign to collect old pens.

The brothers, from Solihull, place all the donated pens from local, school, gyms, bingo halls police stations, libraries and more into their buckets, which they decorate with pictures they have drawn themselves - and include the NSPCC Childline help number.

Altogether, Bazzie and Joshua have decorated 235 buckets since mid-January which they donate to Morrisons in Sheldon where the scheme began to raise funds to help children in need following the murder of Arthur Labinjo Hughes, two years ago today (Friday, June 17).

Their scheme has won high praise from their proud grandmother, Morrisons - and Jess Philllps MP who has invited Bazzie to the House of Commons.

What has Bazzie and Joshua’s grandmother said about their fundraising?

Jan Hines, Bazzie and Joshua’s grandmother and childminder, said: “As the boy’s Nannie, I am very proud of what they have both achieved. Their drawings and passion for helping others is simply inspiring, while watching them work and learn together is priceless.

“The response from family and friends has been astonishing. They’re all delighted with how a small idea has grown and grown. While the response from those who have approached to support the boys has been brilliant.

“Everyone has seen this as a win win situation where helping vulnerable children and the planet can go hand-in-hand with educating everyone about how we can all learn from each other.

“With Mel from Morrisons, we chose the NSPCC to benefit from the pen recycling initiative as we wanted to help other less fortunate children. By having the Childline number drawn on every bucket, the boys hoped we can avoid another tragic death like Arthur.”

What happened to Arthur Labinjo Hughes?

Arthur was murdered by his stepmother Emma Tustin at her home in Solihull during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. It followed a campaign of cruelty by Tustin and Arthur’s father, Thomas Hughes. They were both jailed in 2021.

Arthur’s death prompted a review which criticised failures by police and social workers who were said to have missed opportunities to save him.

What has Morrisons in Sheldon said about the Buck It Boys?

Mel Colivet, Community Champion for Morrisons at Sheldon, said: “People in Solihull were hit hard by the death of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes, which was the most absolutely shocking and tragic story. We just felt the need to do something.

“One of my community projects at Sheldon Morrisons was to collect old pens and to recycle them for money to support local charities and causes. With their joy, enthusiasm and determination Bazzie and Josh have taken this project above and beyond any initial expectations and in doing so have brought together the whole community.”

How have Bazzie and Joshua helped the NSPCC?

Bazzie and  Joshua stepped up their campaign earlier this month for the NSPCC Childhood Day - a landmark charity day where families, friends and colleagues celebrate childhood by organising events to raise money and help keep children safe.

When asked about Childhood Day, Jan explained:“For Childhood Day, the boys did their ‘pens not pounds appeal’ where they asked as many people involved as possible, including schools in Birmingham and Solihull, to donate their old stationary to help raise money for the NSPCC.”

Altogether, Joshua and Bazzie have gone on to extend their pens recycling pick-up service to include Solihull council offices, libraries, police, fire stations, social clubs, gyms, bingo halls, hotels, pet shops, art galleries and more.

Caroline Morgan, Supporter Fundraising Manager for the NSPCC in the Midlands, says: “Josh and Bazzie are incredible local heroes who have become stars of the Solihull community. Both boys show that people CAN make a difference. With their imagination, care and support, they have brought local people and businesses together to create something truly positive and inspiring.

For more information about volunteering and fundraising for the NSPCC, please email [email protected]

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