Fun day for Sunderland respite centre Grace House raises more than £1,000

Wearmouth Welfare Social Club in Sunderland was the venue as Grace House put on the spectacular, with appearances by Minions characters, music performances, cake stalls and fun fair rides.

Doxford Park restaurant Oaktree Farm supported the event and sent along mascot Oakley Bear.

Karen Maclennan, fund-raiser at Grace House, which cares for youngsters with serious medical conditions at its Southwick site, said: “It has been a great day and I thank everyone who came along and supported us, especially Wearmouth Welfare Social Club for letting us use their grounds, Oaktree Farm and Oakley Bear, Tracey Tough, Asda, Boldon, Make My Day Events, Pixie Dust Entertainment, Nobles, Emoji girl band, stall holders, our staff, volunteers and a big thank you to Groundwork North East & Cumbria as well as Sunderland area NCS programme students.

“It is important to Grace House to build up relationships within our local communities and businesses and today was a perfect day to do just that.

“The weather has been lovely and a couple of our guests staying at Grace House this weekend were able to come along and enjoy the day with us too.

“Over £1,000 was raised so once again a big thank you to everyone who supported us and turned out to enjoy the fun.”

Ryan Bolam, deputy general manager at Oaktree Farm, said: “We were delighted to be able to support Grace House at their Family Fun Day & Summer Fair.

“Oakley Bear had a great time meeting everyone and hope everyone enjoyed the cake bake cakes we donated.

“We are looking forward to inviting everyone along to our Family Fun Day on Saturday, August 27, at Oaktree Farm where we will supporting Grace House again.”