A local children’s hospice has been celebrating the end of summer with a Family Fun Festival, designed to be accessible to young people with complex or incurable conditions.

The youngsters could also use the specialist accessible playground equipment like wheelchair swings and sunken trampoline. On arrival, each child who uses the hospice was given a friendship bracelet made by a young person who is also supported by the charity.

The Family Fun Festival was supported by a host of local businesses, such as Rossi who gave out free ice creams, Total Merchandise for tie dye crafts, and Marsh Farm and Alamanda Therapy Animals brought along animals for the children to pet.

Entertainment was provided by Over the Rainbow Parties, Ladybirds Song Group, and Thundersley Superheroes. Imogen, whose brother uses Little Havens, performed Disney songs with her friend Mercy.

Alyssa Gomes from Basildon is supported by Little Havens. Her mum Lynette says, “We had a lovely afternoon at the Little Havens Family Festival. Events at the hospice allow Alyssa and her brother Ethan to both get involved, they are fun for the whole family. The day was filled with lots to do. We made some slime, met a pony, stroked some animals and played games with Deadpool and the other superheroes.

“Thank you Little Havens for organising this. It means a lot to our family to be able to come together and enjoy these events.”

This type of care and support from Havens Hospices is only made possible because local people make donations, take part in fundraising events and leave gifts in their wills.

To find out how to support the free palliative and supportive care of Havens Hospices, follow the charity on social media @HavensHospices

Published 15th September 2021