A CHARITY that brings joy to children with serious illnesses set off on a summer trip for a fun-filled weekend at a theme park.
Les Hoey MBE Dreammaker Foundation received a generous £5000 donation from Allied Vehicle Charitable Trust and arranged to take 45 families to Gulliver's in Warrington, England.
Children, who are all at different stages of life-threatening illnesses and their parents, were spoiled over the weekend.
Goodies, toys and packed lunches had been donated for the bus journey down by local businesses.
When arriving, everyone was checked into themed hotel rooms, before going for dinner and embarking on a unicorn hunt.
But the kids also received VIP treatment and were able to go on some rides after the park had closed for the day, before spending a full day at the park on Saturday.
Angela Cook, charity manager, said: “Everyone had an amazing day and although we were all tired, we headed over to the Starlight Theatre for dinner and entertainment for the kids.
“This trip was one that our small team had wanted to do for a few years and by working together with Gulliver's Theme Park and the amazing funding from Allied Vehicle Charitable Trust we were able to make it a special experience for the families.
“We loved seeing the children meeting new friends and running around having fun. We love what we do and the smiles that we saw at the weekend is exactly why we do it.
“Thanks to everyone for making this trip special for these brave children, we can’t wait to get planning the next one.”
Caroline Konukcu, who attended the trip with her daughter, revealed everyone was “treated like VIPs” all weekend.
She added: “It was lovely to meet other families in the same situation as yourself.
“Myself and my daughter had the most magical time making memories which I wouldn't have been able to do without the charity.
“Les, Laura and Angela really go above and beyond for all the families, they know everyone by name, and they are always so lovely, kind and approachable throughout the trip. Nothing is ever too much trouble for any of them.”
In October last year, we told how the charity marked 30 years.
It was first set up after Les Hoey’s daughter Shelley spent months in hospital following her shock cancer diagnosis at the age of 12 in October 1992.
The Wishaw man took 10 weeks off work at the time and was inspired to raise funds for Yorkhill Children’s Hospital and the Anthony Nolan Trust after Shelley received a bone marrow transplant.
His daughter’s favourite band Boyzone were set to perform in Glasgow, and he was determined to give her the chance to meet her idols.
After pulling it off, and seeing how happy the experience made Shelley, Les was inspired to help other children who were in his daughter’s position.
Before he knew it, he was arranging for hundreds of kids to spend time with world-famous celebrities before their concerts in Glasgow, including Kylie Minogue, Shania Twain, S Club 7, Atomic Kitten, Anastasia, Westlife, Girls Aloud, Katy Perry, Biffy Clyro, Destiny’s Child, One Direction and dozens more.
Read all about it HERE.
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