Party 2013

Jul 10, 2013

On the 29th of June we held our annual summer party and celebrated our 10th birthday!

This years party was bigger than ever before thanks to lots of kind people who sponsored things, gave up time, or donated items. There are a few people I didn’t manage to get back to (sorry about that) but all help was very much appreciated. I’m going to do a series of entries featuring some of the fun and thank you’s, but here is some of the day.

The party started with kids running straight onto our inflatables, Super Hero castle, Hello Kitty bounce house, a big ball pool, under sea tunnels and an inflatable slide taller than the hall itself! I think some kids spent the whole party running up and down the slide. There was also face painting and magic by Mermaid Johanna (Octopus Parties) which had the little ones captivated. Girls had their nails painted and everyone had tattoos done. Helen the caricaturist returned this year which was a huge hit.

 

We gathered outside to greet volunteer Adam who had walked to the party, from LONDON! It was a boiling hot day and he walked 24 miles to raise funds for the party. It’s not too late to sponsor him and if you would like to make a donation then his Justgiving page is here.

After lunch it was time for Singing Hands which lots of the children enjoyed taking part in. Shortly after a few special visitors popped in… Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse and Peppa Pig. The garden was full of laughter as Mickey danced with children and did a big lead up to juggling, only for the balls to fly everywhere! Minnie played with the children and Peppa posed for photos.

Despite all the activities there was plenty of time for families to just relax and get to know each other. We had new families and volunteers come along but also some families who have been with Post Pals for a long time. Nicole B was Pal number 4 to join and the first girl we helped. She is now 14! Ten year old Megan was only 2 when she joined and 17 year old Jayde was a cute 8 year old when we started sending her post as was Mollie. We were also joined by Milly and Alice’s family, Milly was a little girl undergoing lots of operations when we started sending post to her and to her sister Alice (who at the time was well), none of us could have ever imagined we would one day be releasing a balloon for Alice. We were also joined by Rebecca L and Amelia Grace’s family and together we released a balloon filled with forget-me-not seeds in memory of all the Pals who have passed away. Katie P’s balloon was found in West Sussex outside a hospice by a lady who was taking her mother who has terminal cancer out for some fresh air… next year the forget-me-nots will be growing for both of them.

Everyone gathered back inside to cut our amazing cake from Milchies and enjoy more of Gary (Holly’s Dad) and Sapphire’s family cupcakes. After blowing out the candles we drew the raffle. As always, kids just happened to keep winning and loved it. Daniel loved his binoculars and was spotted several times crouching hidden away watching the action through them. We had costumes on the raffle which were really popular, even if they were too big for some! Typical Courtenay (another Pal who has been with us for many years and renowned for her sense of humour) went straight for the Father Christmas suit and had the little ones Ho Ho’ing!

The party was due to finish around 5.30pm but ended up going on past 8pm as everyone was busy having fun and chatting. Someone remarked that they have known a Pal since they were very young and been to several parties with the family before, but normally the child remains on the edge of the party isolated and she had never seen him so happy and outgoing as she did at our party. Another Post Pal mum says her son is very shy and quiet but you would never believe it as he relaxes and has so much fun at our party.

At long last after some final wheelchair races it was time for some of us to say our goodbyes and start counting down to next years party, but the fun wasn’t over for some of the families. We will post another time about the fun had the next day.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the party possible, I think the smiles say more than we ever could about how much your help is appreciated.