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Leigh On Sea News: Charity’s Family Day – A LEIGH charity held a special Sunflowerfest to bring fun to twenty-one Essex families affected by childhood cancer.
Charity’s Family Day - A LEIGH charity held a special Sunflowerfest to bring fun to twenty-one Essex families affected by childhood cancer.
A LEIGH charity held a special Sunflowerfest to bring fun to twenty-one Essex families affected by childhood cancer.
Gold Geese held the event at Writtle Sunflowers at Pooty Pools Farm in Chelmsford, with a sunny day that saw families enjoy music, face painting, horse and carriage ride, and family photoshoots amongst the sunflowers.
One family attending the event was that of Jovita Baryseviciene, who is mother to Leila.
Four-year-old Leila was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2022 at Southend Hospital, and has since undergone surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital
Jovita said: “Leila is getting better now; her lines are out and we’re trying to have a normal childhood again. She’s become very shy, but she’s getting more confident around people.
“The Gold Geese Sunflowerfest event was amazing.
“The place, food, people, wow!
“We had the best time ever and we really enjoyed every moment of it. Leila had her face painted for the first time ever and she keeps talking about it.
“Gold Geese has helped us so much. They have always been here for us. We are so grateful.”
Katie Southgate, Gold Geese founder and CEO, said:
“In the hard slog fighting childhood cancer we aim to offer a little light and joy to our Gold families. We arrange treats like our Sunflowerfest as well as end of treatment parties, amazing experiences like being a firefighter for the day, theatre trip tickets, weekends away and toys to distract from uncomfortable treatments.
“Around 1,900 children are diagnosed with cancer every year, and it causes a huge upheaval for everyone in the family – emotionally, physically and often financially, and Gold Geese is there every step of the way for local families affected.
“Our slogan is ‘We Fly Together’, because geese are a team and no one is left behind. As we receive no government funding we rely on community donations and events like this to fund our vital work.”
To donate to Gold Geese or learn the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer visit www.goldgeese.org.
Picture: Leila Baryseviciene enjoyed the face painting. Pic Jennie Spittle Photography
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