Three animal-mad families affected by childhood cancer had a VIP trip over the past weekend on a special gold train thanks to local charity Gold Geese and South Essex train company, c2c.
Gold Geese, based in Leigh-on-Sea, organised an all-expenses paid trip to London Zoo for Ahmed, Edward and George and their families as a special treat to offer respite from the challenges of living with cancer and to help them connect with others in the same situation.
The families travelled on the special gold train, which was launched earlier this month as part of Gold Geese’s ‘Go Gold’ campaign, which encourages the community to support local children living with cancer by raising funds and increasing awareness of the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer.
The charity provides practical and emotional support to families of children and young people fighting cancer in the Southend and Basildon areas, with support tailored to each family’s needs. It ranges from funding for mental health therapy and food shop vouchers to toys, weekend trips away and practical help with travel to and from hospital.
Katie Southgate, founder of Gold Geese, said: “Childhood cancer causes a huge upheaval for everyone in the family – emotionally, physically and often financially. You do everything in your power to support your child through treatments that are often painful and invasive. Many parents need to give up work or cut down on their hours to manage hospital appointments, and siblings can feel helpless or guilty that they are well.
“We organise respite activities like day trips, treats and mini breaks for our Gold Geese families as they’re a massive boost in helping a family bond, taking their minds off the situation and allowing them the opportunity to enjoy time together like any other family.”
c2c managing director Rob Mullen, said: “We were pleased to play a small role in such a special day out for these wonderful families and again show our support for Gold Geese at the weekend. It’s been great to see so many pictures and selfies snapped of the gold train throughout the month, helping to raise awareness for childhood cancer awareness month and Gold Geese. We are really proud to support such a brilliant local charity.”
Kirsty, who came along on the zoo trip with her son, Edward, added: “I can’t thank Gold Geese enough for today. Edward has had such an amazing day. We felt really normal today and it was lovely.”
Fatma, mum to Ahmed who also came, said: “Thank you for such a memorable day! The kids are so happy and still buzzing. Such a lovely day was had by all.”
c2c is also running a competition to win a six-month c2c season travel pass, which runs until 1 October to encourage people to share trainspotting selfies with the gold train on Instagram, tagging @goldgeese and@c2c_rail.
To enter the online competition, take a photo of the Gold Geese c2c train and share it on Instagram, tagging @GoldGeese and @c2c_rail and using the hashtags #weflytogether #gogold and #childhoodcancerawareness. Full T&Cs at www.instagram.com/goldgeese
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