An annual Teddy Bears Picnic has raised almost £7,500 for Wirral-based charity Stick ’n’ Step, which helps children with cerebral palsy.
The family fun day was held at Cholmondeley Castle and attracted 1,400 visitors.
The summer fete was organised by volunteers and there were ample stalls and activities for the whole family. Visitors were encouraged to take along picnics and Teddy bears and enjoy the castle’s scenic grounds. Having raised £5,000 last year, organisers were hoping to improve on the total this time around, which they did, making this year the most successful picnic to date.
Families enjoyed many summer fete favourites, including a Teddy bear-themed treasure hunt. Grenson Motors, whose proprietor Sean Pattinson is chair of Stick ’n’ Step’s board of trustees, was a main sponsor of the event and offered visitors the chance to win a Citroën DS3 DStyle by Benefit.
Victoria Kinch, one of the organising volunteers, said: “This year was another huge success for our chosen charity. We are thrilled by the £7,500 raised. All the hard work put into planning this event has paid off, with a very successful afternoon. The families had a wonderful day out in the sunshine and we were delighted to see such big turnout in support of Stick ’n’ Step.”
Kerry Roe-Ely, community and events fundraiser at Stick ’n’ Step, added: “We are very grateful to the organisers, volunteers and those who came along to help make the day such a huge success. The amount raised will secure two children’s places at Stick ’n’ Step for one year, which will go a long way towards improving the ability of children with cerebral palsy to lead independent lives.”
Every year Stick ’n’ Step provides free conductive education and support to 70 children and their families. To keep its services free of charge the charity needs to raise £350,000 each year. Stick ’n’ Step receives no government funding so it relies entirely on grants and community fundraising to secure the required amount.
For more information about Stick ’n’ Step visit www.sticknstep.org or call the centre on 0151 638 0888.
