Masterton girl, 6, gives to grieving family

GENEROUS: Six-year-old Akaylea Brooks is donating all the money she raises selling blackberries and grapes to Jesse Bucknell's grieving family.PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

The death of Wairarapa man and new dad Jesse Bucknell has touched even the littlest hearts - with a Masterton Primary School pupil pledging her pocket money to his grieving family.

Six-year-old Akaylea Brooks is selling blackberries and grapes from her Solway home, with all proceeds going to Jesse's partner Ashleigh McAuley and 11-week-old son Carter.

NEW SON: Jesse Bucknell, a former Wairarapa man who died in a road crash near Napier on Wednesday, pictured with partner Ashleigh McAuley and 10-week-old son Carter. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Jesse, 27, was killed last week, when his delivery truck crashed into a tree on SH2, near Napier.

Akaylea's mother Lizzy Pullman said she was inspired to help after hearing about a Givealittle page set up for Ashleigh and Carter which has already raised close to $15,000.

"She decided last week she'd pick blackberries and grapes from our back garden and sell them for pocket money," Mrs Pullman said.

"On Friday, I was talking to my stepson about the Givealittle page, and Akaylea asked what was going on.

"Then, she piped up, 'I know! I'll give my money from my blackberries and grapes to Ashleigh and baby Carter.'

"It was just out of the blue - I was blown away."

"Ashleigh needs money because she can't work - Carter is too little," Akaylea said.

"It's nice to help people."

Mrs Pullman posted Akaylea's plan on the Wanted, Free or For Sale in Wairarapa Facebook page, and said there has been "quite a bit of interest".

Her business-minded daughter also "took to the streets" last weekend, setting up a stall - complete with homemade sign - selling berries and grapes for "$2 a packet".

"I think she's got about nine bucks so far," Mrs Pullman said.

"We've had some lovely responses - one lady said she'll make a donation even if there's no blackberries left."

Mrs Pullman and Ashleigh went to Solway College together, and kept in touch after leaving school.

She also knew Jesse - who attended Wairarapa College - and worked with his mother Ruth Bucknell.

Though she hadn't seen the couple in some time, she had been following them on Facebook as they built their dream home and welcomed their first child.

"Hearing Jesse had died was gut-wrenching," she said.

"I can't imagine what Ashleigh's going through, having to carry on without Jesse for her beautiful bubba.

"She's doing as well as can be expected."

Meanwhile, Akaylea is getting busy picking her berries and grapes, with mum taking orders through Facebook.

Mrs Pullman said she "couldn't be prouder" of her philanthropist daughter who has always been a "very giving child".

"I did relief work at Masterton Christian Childcare, and Akaylea offered to donate her old dress-up clothes to the kids.

"It's amazing someone so young can be so selfless and generous, when some adults can't even crack a smile.

"As a mum, things like these make up for their tanties and little devil moments."

To order blackberries and grapes from Akaylea, send Lizzy Pullman a private message on Facebook.