Fundraising

Sunflowers Children’s Action Group is proud to share the tremendous success of the Cold Water Dip Challenge, which raised a remarkable £1,501 in support of the charity’s vital work.

This inspiring event was conceived, coordinated, and delivered entirely by Wendy Larsen and her sister Ruth. Their dedication and organisational skills ensured the smooth running of the challenge from its inception to its completion, all in aid of Sunflowers. The event was especially meaningful because it celebrated Mila, Wendy’s daughter, who is a cherished member of the Sunflowers family. Mila even braved the cold on some occasions to support her mum and auntie.

The generous support shown in Mila’s honour is a testament to the compassion and commitment of everyone who participated.

Participants in the challenge demonstrated exceptional resolve and a strong sense of community as they braved the cold waters to raise much-needed funds for children facing life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses. The event was not only a test of physical endurance but also a powerful display of empathy and collective purpose.

All funds raised through this challenge will directly support Sunflowers in creating cherished memories for children and their families, as well as providing essential emotional and practical assistance during extremely challenging times.

Sunflowers Children’s Action Group wishes to express its heartfelt thanks to Wendy, Ruth, every participant, donor, and supporter whose efforts and generosity made this fundraising event such a resounding success.

Our Sunflowers Children recently enjoyed a fantastic drawing class with the talented Rachel Spencer.

In this Valentine’s-themed session, the children learned step by step how to draw a charming cartoon mouse. With Rachel’s clear guidance and encouragement, each child built their character from simple shapes into a finished design full of personality.

Once the drawing was complete, the pastels came out and the creativity truly shone. Every child added their own individual style; from bold, bright hearts to soft shading and unique expressions. No two pictures were the same, and it was wonderful to see such pride in their finished artwork.

Sessions like this are incredibly beneficial for our families. At Sunflowers, we are committed to arranging inclusive events and activities where children feel supported, confident and valued. Creative classes not only develop artistic skills but also encourage focus, self-expression and self-belief in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

We would like to say a very special thank you to Rachel for delivering such an inspiring and engaging session. Her patience, warmth and creativity made the afternoon truly special for our children and families.

Festive Magic as Families Enjoy a Christmas Sleepover at Hampton by Hilton Humberside Airport

On Saturday 20^th December, families came together for a truly magical experience at the Hampton by Hilton Humberside Airport Christmas Sleepover, enjoying an evening packed with festive fun, laughter and unforgettable memories.

The hotel was transformed into a winter wonderland as children and parents alike embraced the spirit of Christmas. One of the highlights of the event was the cosy overnight stay, with children settling down in charming indoor teepees that added a sense of adventure and excitement for the younger guests. The sight of smiling children snuggled up in their festive surroundings perfectly captured the warmth of the occasion.

Guests enjoyed delicious festive food before the celebrations continued with a lively Christmas disco pyjama party. The dancefloor was filled with energy as families danced together, showing off their best moves in their cosiest nightwear, creating a joyful and relaxed atmosphere that everyone could enjoy.

The magic continued into the next day, when families gathered to share breakfast and reflect on a night full of sparkle and smiles. A special visit from Father Christmas delighted the children, who were thrilled to meet him and soak up the final moments of festive cheer.

The Christmas Sleepover proved to be a wonderful way for families to come together and celebrate the season, leaving guests with happy memories, tired feet from dancing, and hearts full of Christmas joy.

Festive Carols Evening Raises £1,163.50 for Sunflowers Children’s Action Group

Sunflowers Children’s Action Group is delighted to have received a generous donation of £1,163.50 following a festive carols evening held at Stallingborough Grange.

The cheque was collected by Kate Roberts, Trustee of Sunflowers, and presented by Phillip Wright of Stallingborough Grange alongside Chris Ringrose, who organised the event and led the brass band on the night.

The Festive Carols evening brought together members of the local community to enjoy traditional Christmas music, family fun and the spirit of giving. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of everyone involved, all money raised will go directly towards supporting the children and families Sunflowers works with.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Phillip Wright, Chris Ringrose, all those who helped organise the event, the musicians, raffle prize donors and everyone who attended and donated. Your support makes a real difference, and we are incredibly grateful for your continued generosity.

Family Takes on Christmas Day Park Run for Sunflowers

On Christmas morning, Donna Elliot and her family took part in an organised Park Run to raise funds for Sunflowers Children’s Action Group, raising an amazing £430.

Donna’s son, Henry, is registered with Sunflowers and regularly attends Sunflowers events and activities, making the run especially meaningful for the whole family. Filled with festive spirit, they completed the course together, supported by friends and the wider community.

Henry did brilliantly, completing the final lap with a mix of walking and running, even while battling a huge stitch. A big thank you also goes to Jane Stewart, Rob and Adam for going along to support and take lots of photos.

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Once again, Santa found himself back at the Parkway Cinema in Cleethorpes, hardly
able to believe how quickly the year had come around. Visiting at this time of year
was always a joy, and he was delighted to be there once more. Even better, there
was a beach nearby, just enough space for his reindeer to rest while the sleigh was
safely parked.

Inside, the excitement was already building. So many very special boys and girls had
gathered to see the pantomime, their faces full of anticipation. Santa knew it was
going to be a fantastic time for everyone and hoped they would enjoy every moment.
The day was packed with entertainment. Magic Adam amazed the audience with
balloon modelling and laughter, while beloved characters from Once Upon a Party
and Dream a Little Dream Entertainment brought stories to life, filling the cinema with
wonder and smiles. Santa’s Sweet Stall was a firm favourite, and a team of resolute
elves worked tirelessly behind the scenes, making sure everything ran smoothly from
start to finish.

With a warm smile and a twinkle in his eye, Santa shared his festive wishes before
the fun began. Laughter, cheer and Christmas spirit filled the cinema as one simple
message echoed through the room and lingered long after the curtains rose:
Merry Christmas. Ho ho ho!

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On Sunday 7th December, Santa Claus arrived at Forest Pines in England full of
excitement, having flown that very morning from his home in Lapland, near the North
Pole. Back there, everything was blanketed in deep snow, so it was quite a surprise
to find none waiting for him at Forest Pines. Still, the lack of snow didn’t matter. What
mattered were the many very special boys and girls gathering for the Sunflowers
Christmas party, ready to laugh, play, and celebrate as Christmas drew closer.
The building buzzed with energy. Laughter echoed through the rooms, and the
anticipation was almost magical. Kammy appeared with a cheerful grin, wishing
everyone a Merry Christmas and promising an unforgettable Sunflower Children’s
Action Group Christmas Party.

Soon, familiar faces joined the fun. Nick Miles, known to many as Jimmy King from
Emmerdale, spoke warmly about the day ahead: a big, shared meal, endless
activities, rumours of Father Christmas himself hiding somewhere in the building,
and even snowball fights upstairs. Everywhere you looked, children were smiling.
For many, the best part of the day was simply everything. The excitement of the
children was infectious as they raced around, their joy filling every corner. Seeing
what the day meant to them made it truly special. The dedication behind the event
was clear.

Parents celebrated alongside their children, relaxed and happy in a safe, welcoming
space. The noise, screaming, shouting and laughter was overwhelming in the best
possible way. It was wonderful to see the children in a different light, free from the
constraints of hospital visits and medical treatments, simply being Children.
As the day drew on, one message lingered in the air, carried by smiles and festive
cheer: Merry Christmas.

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Sunflowers would like to say a huge thank you to Kevin and Rachel Barker for their
incredible support following their Halloween Light Show, which raised an amazing
£1,304, with a further £415.50 expected through Gift Aid.

The spectacular light show took place over several evenings at their home in Laceby
and attracted many local families who came along to enjoy the spooky displays and
festive atmosphere. Visitors were also able to enjoy hot drinks and sweet treats,
adding to the community spirit of the event.

Kevin and Rachel’s hard work, creativity and generosity helped create a fantastic
experience for the local community while raising vital funds to support Sunflowers’
work with children and families. We are extremely grateful for their continued support
and dedication.

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What a wonderful afternoon our Sunflowers children enjoyed with ART by Rachel Spencer at Brigsley Village Hall! Under Rachel’s expert guidance, each child created their very own pastel drawing of a giraffe, and the results were absolutely amazing.

Art offers such a powerful way for children to relax, express themselves, and celebrate their individuality. The session was filled with creativity, colour, and plenty of smiles as everyone explored their artistic side in a supportive, encouraging environment.

A huge well done to all our talented Sunflowers who took part, we are so proud of you! And a heartfelt thank you to Rachel Spencer for her warmth, patience, and superb guidance throughout the session. You truly inspired our young artists.

Want to help create more experiences like this?
Find out how you can support Sunflowers through donations, volunteering, or partnerships by visiting our How to Donate page.

This half term, children from Sunflowers enjoyed a week packed with fabulous activities, from sleepovers and chocolate making to two fantastic Bounceback sessions at Eclipse Gymnastics.

Bounceback is a unique and inclusive play programme designed especially for children with complex needs. More than just a gymnastics class, it offers a space where children can truly be themselves, moving, laughing, and building confidence through play. Each session is tailored to individual abilities, creating a safe and welcoming environment filled with smiles, fun, and freedom from everyday challenges.

The half-term sessions even included a special Halloween-themed activity, where children, and some enthusiastic parents, wrapped themselves up in loo roll before working together to “break out” as one big group. It was a hilarious and heartwarming moment that perfectly captured the spirit of Bounceback: teamwork, laughter, and joy in motion.

A huge thank you goes to Becky, owner of Eclipse, who generously funded two of these special sessions for Sunflowers families over half term. Her kindness is a wonderful reminder that there are many ways to support Sunflowers, not only through financial donations, but also by sharing time, skills, and opportunities that help children flourish.

For many families, Bounceback has become a highlight of the week, a place of joy, belonging, and resilience, where every child can shine.

Want to make a difference too?
Find out how you can support Sunflowers, through donations, volunteering, or creative partnerships, by visiting our How to Donate page.

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Guests enjoyed a spectacular evening at this year’s Sunflowers Annual Ball, held at the Forest Pines Hotel in Scunthorpe. The event was attended by Sunflowers’ wonderful patrons, Chris Kamara, Nick Miles, Nicola Wheeler, Bhasker Patel, and Chris Chittell, who joined supporters for a night filled with laughter, dancing, and generosity.

A highlight of the evening was the launch of the Celebrity Bear Challenge, an exciting new fundraising initiative. Twelve cuddly bears found new homes with guests, each pledged to raise a minimum of £250 before next year’s Ball.

The first bear to begin its adventure, Bob Bear, was claimed by Richard Stansfield and has already embarked on a journey around the world, raising both funds and awareness for Sunflowers Children’s Action Group along the way.

It was a truly memorable night celebrating friendship, compassion, and community spirit, all in support of children and families who need it most.

Sunflower Children’s Action Group are absolutely delighted to announce that we've received £12,500 from North East Lincolnshire Council, thanks to a rather unique initiative.

As a small, volunteer-run, local charity, we were formed in 2019 with a clear mission: to create special, inclusive events and activities for children who suffer with life-limiting and/or life-threatening conditions.

Now, thanks to this large donation by the Council, we can help make even more young people’s dreams come true. Our Chair of Trustees, Joanne Wright, said, “It’s a massive donation and as a charity we rely solely on the generosity of people.

“At the moment, we are fundraising to take around 30 families to Calvert Lake which will help empower those living with these sorts of conditions. They will have the opportunity to go rock climbing, kayaking and much more.

“We’re also hoping it will give the families a way of socialising with one another and make sure they have someone to talk to. This donation will go a long way to making all that happen.”

The money was raised through the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) Metals Recycling Scheme, which has been in operation since 2014.

The scheme works by collecting recyclable metals – things like parts of the coffin and replacement implants or joints - that can be salvaged following a cremation.

The proceeds from selling these metals then go into a charity fund, which is donated twice a year. Through this scheme, Bereavement Services have donated more than £150,000 to local charities, and over £22 million nationally.

Councillor Henry Hudson, the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Net Zero, said: “This is a fantastic achievement by our Bereavement Services Team and I’m so glad we could help a local charity.

To have donated over £150,000 in a decade is something to be proud of and we will endeavour to continue with it, helping as many people in the borough as possible.”

We are just so thankful for this support. It means the world to us and, more importantly, to the children and families we strive to help.