Children’s cancer support charity Gold Geese has held two special Christmas events for local families affected by childhood cancer.
Children who have a compromised immune system can’t attend public grottos and Christmas entertainment like pantomimes, so Gold Geese organises an annual Christmas party and grotto with a safe environment just for them and their families.
This year the event took place at The Boundary at Garons Park, with special appearances from Santa and his elves, real reindeer, presents generously donated from the Dunelm Christmas Tree Appeal, and entertainment from The Incredible Hulk, Minnie Mouse and princesses Elsa and Anna from Disney’s Frozen. The decorations were kindly gifted by local printing company Solopress, who celebrated their staff Christmas event at the venue the following day and arranged for the decorations to be in place early for Gold Geese to enjoy too.
Families enjoyed arts and crafts, delicious food and each family received games, sweets and £500 John Lewis vouchers to help cover the cost of Christmas and beyond.
Gold Geese also arranged a special wreath-making workshop with the Leigh on Sea Florist for families who have lost a child to cancer. The bereaved families made festive decorations personalised to their loved one’s favourite colours, animals and hobbies, to help honour their memory at this difficult time of year.
Katie Southgate, CEO and Founder of Gold Geese, says:
“Christmas can be a particularly tough time for families affected by childhood cancer, whether they’re newly diagnosed, going through treatment, or have lost a child too soon.
“We support our Gold families every step of the way. Events like our grotto party and wreath-making workshop let them know We Fly Together, and allow them the opportunity to make memories and meet others in a similar situation.
“We’re powered by the kindness of our local community, and we want to thank every one of our supporters for helping us provide some magical memories for families facing cancer this Christmas.”
Gold Geese provides practical and emotional support to local families of children and young people fighting cancer. Support is tailored to each family’s needs and ranges from funding for mental health therapy and food shop vouchers to toys, weekend trips away and practical help with travel to and from hospital.
The charity also raises awareness of the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer and encourages those who are able to donate blood or stem cells to help children undergoing treatment.
To donate to Gold Geese visit www.goldgeese.org or text GOLDGIFT and your chosen amount to 70470. eg to donate £5 send GOLDGIFT£5 to 70470.
Texts cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.
