WHEN most newborns enter the world the first thing they do is cry.

Laurence Cawley

WHEN most newborns enter the world the first thing they do is cry.

But when William Johnston was born 11 weeks ago his first act was to raise �50 for St Nicholas Hospice Care in Bury St Edmunds.

His fundraising success came about after his delighted parents Barrie and Claire Johnston arranged a sweepstake in which participants had to guess his birth weight.

Mrs Johnston, a defence solicitor who works largely at Bury St Edmunds Magistrates Court, said: “My husband first came up with the idea of a sweepstake and we thought it would be a good idea to raise some money for a local charity.

“I chose the Hospice as I know what great work it does and also because I already take part in the weekly Lottery that the charity runs.

“It was a bit of fun and a way of raising money, but we would have made even more if William hadn't have come early.”

William was born two weeks early on November 28 weighing 7lb 14oz.

As well as having a great eye for fundraising, young William has also “mastered” the art of letter writing after he sent the Hospice a note telling the charity of his achievements.

In reply, Hospice president Canon Richard Norburn, asked William to say a “big thank you” to his parents in a letter of thanks.

“If your speech has come on as fast as your handwriting, it shouldn't be a problem,” Mr Norburn wrote. “You are the youngest donor I have ever written to. Welcome to the world and we hope you are getting on well with plenty of smiles.”

The sweepstake, which raised �46.50 for the hospice, was won by William's grandfather David Lockwood, and one of Mrs Johnston's work colleagues.