Special memories were made for a group of
seriously ill children when they visited Clacton Pier for a free day out with
their families.
The event was set up through the Rays of
Sunshine Children’s charity and the group was hosted by staff at the Pier.
A total of 33 people from eight families
benefited from the annual initiative and they enjoyed unlimited access to
rides, go-karting, a visit to the Seaquarium and many other activities.
Pier Director Elliot Ball said the aim of the
exercise is to provide all the youngsters with a day out to remember.
“This is the third year we have staged the
event which goes from success to success,” he said.
“The weather was perfect for them and they had
a great time on Sunday and a similar number of children will be coming down
with their families again this weekend.
“We are in a position where we can provide fun
times for people and this is all about giving something back to the wider
community. We intend to continue with the Rays of Sunshine days for many years
to come and it is such a worthwhile charity.”
Pier bosses have a
special partnership with Rays of Sunshine, a children’s charity that brightens
the lives of seriously ill children aged three to 18 by granting wishes, working with children’s
hospitals and hospices to host activity days, granting Hospital Ward Wishes and
organising large-scale events.
The profits from one of
the arcade machines on the Pier are also all donated to the charity to help
boost their funds.
The children who benefited from the two visits
are all having treatment for serious or life-limiting illnesses.
Mr Ball said that he hoped that other business
in the area would want to get involved with Rays of Sunshine and put on similar
events.
The Pier provided three hosts to look after
the group and they gained as much out of the day as the children.
