Brown family to sizzle for Bluebell Wood

26th June 2018

A Chapeltown couple are getting ready to sizzle sausages on a grand scale for the charity that supports their nine-year-old granddaughter.

Bev and Jim Brown, nannan and grandad to Gracie Brown from High Green, are among the first to sign up to Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice's 'Bangers for Bluebell' campaign, which is asking people to host fundraising barbecues this summer. Family and friends will be making donations at the barbecue on Saturday 7 July, with every penny going to the children's hospice that cares for children and young adults with life-shortening and life-threatening conditions. At the age of three, Gracie was diagnosed with Leukodystrophy Vanishing White Matter Disease, a progressive disorder for which there is no current cure. Gracie's parents are Daniel and Charlotte. Daniel said: -Bluebell Wood has provided Gracie with opportunities that have enriched her experience and discovery. These include a recent event meeting, stroking and holding creepy creatures, which Gracie absolutely loved. She was so proud of her own achievement, holding all the animals, and meeting the pony-unicorns. Seasonal events like the Halloween party are great for us too, because taking Gracie out trick or treating is quite difficult. The party offered the chance for us to have a slimy, spooky time in an environment that was well-suited to Gracie's needs. -Gracie is absolutely in love with George the dog, who is the hospice mascot and she really enjoys music therapy. Bluebell Wood gives us the chance to just enjoy our time together. Bev said: -We're really looking forward to getting together with family and friends and hope we can raise as much as possible for Bluebell Wood, which does so much for families like ours. We have already had a fantastic response and would like to thank everyone who has generously donated so far. Gail Parkin, Community Fundraiser, Bluebell Wood, said: -We'd like to say a big thank you to Bev and Jim and to everyone who holds a barbecue for Bluebell Wood this year. Every penny raised will help to make a real difference to families facing the toughest of times. Anyone holding a Bangers for Bluebell barbecue can share their photos on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #BangersForBluebell. If people email these pictures to marketing@bluebellwood.org one lucky person will win an exclusive, one-off original print of the digital Bangers for Bluebell artwork, designed by local artist Kate Morgan. Bluebell Wood is also giving away Bangers for Bluebell packs, which includes recipe ideas, games and tips to make any barbecue a roaring success. To download your pack please visit www.bluebellwood.org/support-us/fundraise/community-fundraising/bangersforbluebell/