Charity Gold Geese arranged for a c2c gold train to London Zoo for Southend families affected by childhood cancer.
Three animal-mad families experienced a day to remember last weekend.
Gold Geese, based in Leigh, organised the all-expenses paid trip to London Zoo for Ahmed, Edward and George and their families as a special treat to offer respite from the challenges of living with cancer and to help them connect with others in the same situation.
The charity provides practical and emotional support to families of children and young people fighting cancer in the Southend and Basildon areas, with support tailored to each family’s needs. It ranges from funding for mental health therapy and food shop vouchers to toys, weekend trips away and practical help with travel to and from hospital.
The families travelled from Southend Central on a special gold c2c train, decorated with Gold Geese and information about the charity.
Katie Southgate, founder of Gold Geese, explained: “Childhood cancer causes a huge upheaval for everyone in the family, emotionally, physically and often financially."
Kirsty, who came along on the zoo trip with her son, Edward, added: “I can’t thank Gold Geese enough for today. Edward has had such an amazing day. We felt really normal today and it was lovely.”
Fatma, mum to Ahmed who also came, said: “Thank you for such a memorable day! The kids are so, so happy and still buzzing. Such a lovely day had by all.”
Gold Geese would like to thank the staff at LionTrust, London Zoo and c2c for their kindness in helping organise this trip.
Gold Geese launched the gold train with c2c at the start of September as part of its ‘Go Gold’ to support local children living with cancer by raising funds and increasing awareness of the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer.
Visit www.goldgeese.org, donate to Gold Geese by texting GOLD followed by the amount you wish to donate to 70580 (for example, GOLD 50 to donate £50). Texts cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.
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