Merry Hill helps charity play scheme to bow out in style (From Halesowen News)

Merry Hill helps charity play scheme to bow out in style

8:30am Friday 7th September 2012 in News

A 20-YEAR-OLD Dudley-based charity, which supports the borough’s disabled children, was able to hold its last ever summer play scheme thanks to help from Merry Hill.

Rollercoasters holds a three-week holiday club each year providing activities such as ice-skating, farm trips and sensory workshops for children who have physical and learning disabilities.

However the charity, which has helped more than 800 youngsters from across the region since forming two decades ago, has had to end its summer play scheme from this year, due to a lack of funding.

But after Westfield Merry Hill raised a grand total of £10,533.82 for the charity during a Broadway themed Gala night earlier this year, Rollercoasters was able to host a final farewell party for all the children and volunteers.

Kelly Reed, marketing manager at Westfield Merry Hill, said: “We’re thrilled with how much money we have raised for Rollercoasters over the last two years, and in particular at the Gala event.

“I had the pleasure of being a guest at the charity’s final party and performance day and there wasn’t a dry eye in the place. It was a truly magical day.

“It is extremely sad that the play scheme has had to come to an end but I would like to say a big thank you to everybody who attended all of our charity events – we couldn’t have made such generous donations without such amazing support.”