Southend's young carers had festive fun thanks to array of donations

Wonderful day - Carla Nation, aged nine, with Santa Claus. Image: Graham Renshaw — Wonderful day – Carla Nation, aged nine, with Santa Claus. Image: Graham Renshaw

YOUTH caring for a loved one without pay has been given a special day of celebration thanks to Southend Young Carers and a variety of businesses and groups.

The children dressed up to impress in their festive outfits for the fun-filled day at Wakering Rovers Football Club in Little Wakering Lane on Tuesday 13 December.

There was a happy Santa and his sleigh thanks to Leigh Round Table, who also donated funds for a £20 gift for each child.

Wakering Rovers Football Club provided the venue free of charge, as did a DJ who gave two hours of his time free of charge.

L and B Catering discounted a festive themed buffet for 30 children and the Ramblers Riding Club took part with their therapy donkeys dressed up for Christmas. There were gift wrapped books from Jacqson Diego Story Emporium. Wakering residents donated selection boxes for the children and Young Carers Nan had handmade Christmas boxes filled with candy for the children.

Echo: Left to right - Kassia Swain, Jackie Fillary, Deniece Dimmick, Kate Prentice — Echo: Left to right – Kassia Swain, Jackie Fillary, Deniece Dimmick, Kate Prentice

Left to Right – Kassia Swain, Jackie Fillary, Deniece Dimmick, Kate Prentice (Image: Graham Renshaw)

Southend Young Carers supports children aged five to 17 who are providing unpaid care for a loved one because of a disability, terminal illness, physical illness, mental health problem or addiction.

Young Coaches Team Leader Deniece Dimmick said: “This year I wanted to do something very special for our Young Coaches. As a charity, it can be difficult to host events like this due to funding. I never thought at first that my dreams of this party would become a reality and it was only possible with the overwhelming support of our local community. I would like to say a huge thank you to the Wakering Rovers FC committee, Kassia Swain and Jim Johnson for supporting us with a venue and free DJ this Christmas.

Michael, Jonathon and Graham Renshaw from the Leigh Round Table and members of the 41 Club, retired members and our Santa Claus, Marcus Lester. This was certainly a special moment to see the children’s faces as Santa arrived and also received his special gift. I would also like to thank the residents of the Wakering community and Jacqson Diego Story Emporium. Also to my friends and collaborators Jay Boyd, Judith Boyd, Jackie Fillary, Corinne Mitchinson, Kate Prentice and Brenda Lewis for their support.”

Visit www.southendcarers.co.uk.