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| PCSO Bev Hayes and Adrienne Debrou, centre, holding the presentation cheque, flanked by Councillors and other supporters of the event. |
Two Hythe based police community support officers (PCSOs) have helped raise more than £2,000 to benefit local children through the Honeypot Charity which supports young carers.
The money was the proceeds from a Family Fun Day held at the Gang Warily Recreation Centre in Blackfield on Saturday, May 10.
PCSO Bev Hayes and PCSO Andy Spooner were the principal initiators of the event, working closely with recreation centre manager Kevin Lobley, which cost around £5,000 to host and was funded by police, partner agencies and local businesses.
Former Southampton FC club captain, Francis Benali, attended the recreation centre to receive the charity donation on behalf of Honeypot from local police Inspector Kevin Leckey.
Inspector Leckey said: “This event brought the local community together for a day of fun filled activity and we would like to thank everyone who played a part in its success.
There had been some criticism directed towards local youths in the area following the tragic death of merchant seaman Gregory Fernandes, but this event enabled our Safer Neighbourhoods officers to re-unite a divided community.
Hundreds of local residents turned up with young and old alike having fun together to show a true community spirit.”
The Honeypot Charity aims to improve the quality of life for very vulnerable children and young carers aged five to 12 years, through the provision of respite holidays at Honeypot House in the New Forest, and a long-term programme of support in their home environments.
Many are the primary carer in the household and can be as young as five years old. For all these children a Honeypot Holiday is their only opportunity for a break away from home and a chance to simply be a child.
Adrienne Debrou, Regional Fundraiser for the Honeypot Charity said: “We are delighted to have the support of The Fawley Fun Day and to be associated with such a positive event. This donation is enough to fund the support of two children from the local area for one year.
During this time each child can enjoy a respite break in the New Forest, visits from our Honeypot Playbus, a birthday card and Christmas presents.” |
