How entertainment firm Big Science plans to thank health heroes for dedication during Covid-19 pandemic

A business dedicated to making science fun for children has come up with a way to thank health workers for their invaluable contribution on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic.
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Neil Harrison and wife Helen launched Big Science back in 2015, after becoming inspired by their own children’s delighted reactions to the educational science experiments they carried out at home.

And it became a full-time passion for the pair, who have been putting their scientific skills to good use during lockdown to keep the region’s youngsters entertained.

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The couple, of St Peter’s Riverside, Sunderland, have now announced plans to host four Big Science parties in locations across the North East for primary school-age children, whose parents or guardians work in the NHS or as care workers, when it is safe to do so after lockdown.

Lucia carries out some experiments of her own.Lucia carries out some experiments of her own.
Lucia carries out some experiments of her own.
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Neil, who worked as a Science Technician at Harton Academy in South Shields when the firm launched, said: “I used to do little experiments for my children Joey and Lucia when they were seven and four-years-old.

“After seeing how much they enjoyed them, me and Helen thought other children might enjoy them, so we started doing birthday parties.

“That was in 2015, now we do birthday parties, school visits, school assemblies, after school clubs, private functions and large events like the Tall Ships.”

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Big Science has earmarked four venues at which to host the parties – which will take place on a weekend to be decided and run for two hours – after lockdown.

They will feature hands-on experiments, demonstrations, science-themed games with sweets up for grabs as prizes, and a drink and snack.

While the lockdown has put parties and other events on hold, Neil and Helen have continued to support families across the region with the creation of experiment boxes – which are available online for a range of ages – and online tutorial videos.

The proposed party venues are:

Washington - Woofs n Scruffs

Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne - Heaton Methodist Church

South Shields - Trinity House (to be confirmed)

Hetton - Eppleton Cricket Club

If you work in the NHS or in care email [email protected] to express an interest in a party place or order a box.

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