There were mermaids in abundance when Demelza Hospice Care for Children threw a New Year party for its families in South East London with the theme ‘under the sea.’ Around 130 Demelza children and their families packed into the Holiday Inn, Bexley, for a party lunch and afternoon of entertainment.

Presents donated to Heart FM’s Giving Tree in the run-up to Christmas by generous Bluewater shoppers and gifts purchased were given to the children.

There was a raffle, tombola, party games and bingo, with entertainment provided by Sarah Blanc – also known as the ‘Tracey and Mavis Bingo Experience’, part of the Greenwich and Lewisham Young People’s Theatre project. Fantastic fish balloons, dolphins and octopus were kindly donated by Little Bananas, a local balloon and soft play business and Lisa of Taz Party Music provided a fabulous disco.

The party was a chance for Demelza families to show off their creative talents, along with the members of staff and volunteers who turned out to make the day a rip-roaring success, with mermaids, pirates and a whole variety of fish and undersea creatures turning out.

Ann Fagg, Care Services Lead for Demelza SEL, said: “We would like to thank the generosity of our supporters and the volunteers and staff who pulled out all the stops to make sure our children and their siblings had a great time. Part of our work is ensuring families have precious memories to look back on and so the annual party is an important event for us.”

Demelza provides vital care and support to children with life-limiting illnesses and their families across South East London, Kent and East Sussex. The charity relies on fundraising and donations to raise over £10.5 million a year.

Find out more about Demelza at www.demelza.org.uk , follow the charity on Facebook or @dmelzahospice on Twitter.

Based on information supplied by Jane Shotliff.