Children’s Hospice Family Fun Day is huge hit with Local Community

June 25, 2019 by Leigh-on-sea.com

The only children’s hospice in Essex was joined by over a thousand people this weekend for their Annual Family Fun Day.

On Sunday 23^rd June, Little Havens Hospice in Thundersley hosted its yearly open day and were joined not only by hundreds of families, but also the sunshine. 

The charity opened their gardens encouraging families to bring picnics with them to enjoy as they were entertained by local singers and dance troupes including local break dancers BreakTing Stars, local singer and one of the charity’s Patrons Arianna Morgan and local choir 4 and 20 Blackbirds. There was also a chance for visitors to get a photo with their favourite Superhero as the charity were joined by the Thundersley Superheroes for the day. 

The charity also teamed up with plenty of local companies who will be holding a variety of activities at ‘pocket money prices’ from crafts with Create98 to Football Darts with Football Sports and Shetland Pony Rides with The Ramblers Riding Club. Adults also got a chance to relax with free massages being offered by the charity’s Complementary Therapy Team. 

Visitors were also able to find out more about the only place in Essex wholly dedicated to looking after youngsters with life-limiting illnesses by taking a tour of the hospice, which recently underwent a £100,000 refurbishment thanks to the generosity of Loop Interiors and a variety of contractors who gave their time, services and furnishings free of charge. Many of those involved with the refurbishment joined other supporters and members of the local community at the fun day.

Emily Tucker, Community Engagement Events Officer explains “It was such a lovely day full of fun, laughter and family which really is what Little Havens is all about – whether we care for a child for hours, days, weeks or years we do make a real difference to their life and their families lives, but we can’t do that without our local community. So, our Family Fun Day is our chance to thank all our supporters who help us raise over £46,000 every week to run Little Havens. 

“I would like to thank everyone who volunteered for the hospice throughout the day – the tour guides and helpers throughout the hospice, everyone who manned trade or fundraising stalls, all the entertainers. Thank you to TLC Cakes, Truly Vi’s and The Fluid Events Company for helping with refreshments, all of our entertainers and attractions that joined us for the day including Little Riders for providing horses, unicorns and even a giraffe to ride for the afternoon and Karty Party for creating a little healthy competition with their go-karting course.

“Finally, I would like to thank all our visitors from the local community for coming to the event, it was wonderful to celebrate your kindness and get a chance to show you what your generosity achieves. I hope you all enjoyed the day, we certainly did!”

If you enjoyed the Family Fun Day and would like to find out how you can join the charity at their Family Fun Festival in Priory Park on Sunday 15^th September please visit www.havenshospices.org.uk/FamilyFunFest