Bexleyheath shoppers respond to Valentine’s hospice charity appeal

Scores of shoppers gathered to give tributes to their loved ones in support of the Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice appeal.

The dazzling sculpture, made by world class ice artist, Csaba Vass, brought gasps of awe from the crowd, many of whom had family members or friends who had received care at the hospice.

Shoppers were invited to give a donation and in return they could leave love messages to be collected in readiness for two special heart displays to be revealed on St Valentine’s Day itself – February 14.

There was also the chance to take part in a novel competition to guess how long it would take for the ice heart to thaw for a chance to win a beautiful Pandora bracelet worth £160.

An emotional Kelly Joyce, of Park View Road, Welling, whose father Dennis Joyce, was a former patient of the hospice, said she was bowled over by the sight of the sculpture.

She said: “It is beautiful, such a lovely idea and so thoughtfully done. My father died 17 years ago and went to the hospice for a very short time, barely 24 hours, but I will always remember how good the staff were and how well he was cared for there.

“Whenever I see a fundraising activity in aid of the hospice I will support it.”

Kelly, who also lost her mum, Doreen, in 2015, penned a special tribute to both her parents to be attached to the St Valentine’s display. It said: “To mum and dad, love you with all my heart.”

She was thanked by John Abbott, of the hospice fundraising team, who handed her a Valentine’s rose.

Broadway Shopping Centre Management hope to raise £1,000 for the hospice from the week of St Valentine’s activities so far which also coincide with the local half term school holidays. From 13th - 17th Feb the fun will continue with 5 days of fun craft workshops for all the family.

Among those who enjoyed the weekend activity was Chanel Winchester and her son, Alfie, aged seven.

Chanel, of Sidcup, said: “Alfie was really taken with the events here today. It was beautiful, fun and moving all at the same time. The ice heart was amazing and the idea of leaving messages really sweet.”

A delighted Alfie left a note for his mum and dad, James Kenny, to tell them how much he loved them and thank them for all they do for him.

The young pupil of Royal Park Academy also said a big thank you for the arrival of a healthy baby brother, JJ, now eleven weeks old.

The Rowley family, of Blackheath, also could not resist the chance to leave an array of messages. Dad, Danny, a former shop owner and part-time DJ, said: “This is such a fantastic idea. The kids have loved it. The ice sculpture is something else, so big we all reckon it could take a few days to melt.”

He was at the shopping centre with partner Vickie Wilton and their children, Betsy-Belle, nine, Frankie, 10, Danny, two and Ella Massen, eight.

Betsy-Belle left a message to her baby brother saying: “I love you Dan, Dan”.

And Ella left a special note for Vickie which said: “Happy St Valentine’s Day and thank you for everything you do.”

Danny laughed: “Who knew going to the shops could be so exciting! This has been a great way for them to start off the school holiday.”

Other St Valentine-themed activities at Broadway Shopping Centre include craft workshops where children can decorate picture frames and heart-shaped trinket boxes, with pictures of the results posted on Facebook for shoppers to vote for their favourite. The top five pictures with the most likes will each win a prize.

There’s also a star prize of a Pandora bracelet and charm worth £160 for the winner of the competition to guess how long it takes for the ice heart sculpture to completely melt.

Broadway Shopping Centre Manager Peter Sedge, said: “Once the heart has fully melted, a picture will be taken showing the final time from the stop clock and this will be posted onto social media along with the name of the competition winner.

“We’re all looking forward to finding out how long it takes. The sculpture is so intricately carved it will be a shame to see it go, but we’ll have some great memories of it.

“We’re proud to have had it on display and really pleased that the sight of the sculpture has in itself touched so many hearts.

“The feedback we’ve had about it from so many of our loyal shoppers has been really positive and their willingness to support such a deserving cause as the Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice truly commendable. We thank everyone for all their moving tributes and donations.”

For more information about events and stores at Broadway Shopping Centre go to www.broadwayshoppingcentre.com or visit the centre’s Facebook page or Twitter account @BroadwayBexley

Submitted by Deb James