Published on: Friday 23 Jan 2026 at 10:30
Ula Samms, aged 8, from Ongar, has turned her love of beekeeping into a sweet success, raising over £2,000 for St Clare Hospice in just three years.
By selling jars of honey produced from her family’s own bee hives and donating the profits to St Clare Hospice, Ula has helped support specialist care the hospice provides to local families facing life-limiting illnesses.
Barry, Ula’s dad, shared how the idea began: “We started keeping bees in 2022 and the idea of selling our own honey came about because we always had plenty left over for family and friends. When we began selling honey, we thought it would be nice to donate the money raised to a local charity and chose St Clare Hospice. We were familiar with the charity already because Ula’s school, Coopersale Hall, has supported them in the past.’
Reflecting on her fundraising, Ula added: ‘Mum and Dad have always supported me in this journey, and encourage me to share with our community, friends, and family, about how we care for bees and why they’re so important in nature. It’s been really rewarding counting the money we’ve raised and handing it over to the amazing team at St Clare Hospice!’
Ellie Gale, Relationship Fundraising Manager, commented: ‘Everyone at St Clare Hospice would like to say a big thank you to Ula for raising an incredible £2,228.46 over the last three years through the sale of her honey. What Ula has done is truly special, and the Hospice team is so grateful for her kindness and hard work.
The money Ula raised helps provide comforting spaces, therapeutic activities, and even special celebrations for patients and their families. These moments bring comfort on tough days and help families create memories they can treasure forever.
Thanks to caring people like Ula, the Hospice can continue ensuring everyone receives the attention, support, and comfort they need.”
Find out more about Ula’s Bees at www.ulasbees.com.
Want to support St Clare Hospice or discover fundraising opportunities? Get in touch with Community Relationship Fundraiser, Nancy Hynes at nancy.hynes@stclarehospice.org.uk, or call 01279 773750.