A joyful day at the fair for special needs children

Around 200 young people with special needs, their parents, teachers and carers are at the Lions Fun Day at Rainbow Park in Hunstanton.

Teddy gives his mum and nan the thumbs up as he comes off the Crazy Fun House ride. The 10 year old, who’s autistic, is eager to tell me he’s having a great time. And mum Ellie Jenkinson says today is really important, “…especially inviting the parents, as it’s just nice to see the kids enjoying themselves. I’m not so keen on the rides myself though” she laughs.

Teddy and mum Ellie Jenkinson

Nearby, teaching assistant Ludella Sheen from Churchill Park Academy, is watching some of the children who’re smiling and waving from the carousel horses. “A day like today makes my job worth it, to see the happy faces. Some of them have never been on a ride before and look at them, they’re loving it”. As the carousel stops one of her pupils runs to her saying “This is fun! I did so well - I want to go on the bumper cars now!” And off they go.

Around 200 young people with special needs, their parents, teachers and carers are at the Lions Fun Day at Rainbow Park in Hunstanton. Emily, whose son Henry is severely autistic and is a pupil at Duke of Lancaster Academy, is grateful to all the organisers. “This sort of thing when it’s just open to special needs is fantastic. If you go out normally, you sometimes feel that people are staring at you all the time, and that can be tough. So I do like it like this, full of people who understand”.

Some of the children and carers with Lion Gerry Desroches (in blue polo shirt)

It’s thanks to the park and Hunstanton Lions Club that this annual event, which has been going for more than 20 years, is possible. President of the club Jane Scott says she gets choked up seeing everyone enjoying themselves. John Henry Roper of Rainbow Park says it’s ‘such a joyful day’.

President Jane Scott and Lion Paul Southerton enjoy a ride on the carousel

And one of the deputy heads, Jade Collinge Long, describes it as ‘invaluable’. “This is the highlight of many of our children’s year. We have count down calendars. For a lot of our children this is the only time they’ll get to experience something like this safely. I can’t put into words how important these opportunities are”.

As I walk around the park there are smiling faces everywhere. I wave at Teddy who’s convinced his mum to join him on the big slide. I chat to Tim Lennox, who’s about to go on the cars with his 10 year old Brandon, and tells me his son has been talking about this day for months. And I see a young girl who’s just been on a rollercoaster giving her dad a high five. It is indeed joyful. And the fun isn’t over, with lunch being provided by Vegas Fish Bar.

This is a heart warming example of a community giving back - a show kindness and generosity. And what more thanks do you need then overhearing a child as they leave saying “I can’t wait for next year”.

Images: Ian Burt and Dani Crawshaw

Video: Dani Crawshaw