Families and children to attend Northampton match
THANKS TO the generosity of kind sponsors, Exeter City play host to children and families supported by CLIC Sargent at the Sky Bet League 2 visit of Northampton Town on Saturday 16th April.When the Grecians take on the table-topping Cobblers, there will be an extra-special party of fans thanks to the kindness of a number of club sponsors and other supporters.
Thanks to Exeter Airport, Cardens Estate Agents, Bishops Printers, Underwoods Solicitors, Great Western Railway, Lloyd's Kitchen and Sharon Parsons, this will be the fifth year that the club have played host to a large party of children and their families who are supported by CLIC Sargent whilst one of the children in the family undergoes treatment for cancer.
Working with nursing help from Bramble Ward at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, CLIC Sargent staff and volunteer helpers, the club works to provide a full-on match-day experience for the families, giving them a day of respite from the stresses the families face on a constant daily basis.
The group will take in a tour of the stadium, going behind the scenes to look at the dressing rooms; meet the players for autographs and photos, have fun with a magician and face painter plus get to try an interactive football game provided and run by the club’s Football in the Community charity. There is also a free draw for Great Western Railway return rail tickets and a family meal for four including wine at Lloyd's Kitchen in Exeter (kindly donated by Great Western Railway and Lloyd's Kitchen).
The feedback from previous years has been inspiring, and Exeter City Football Club are deeply grateful to the sponsors who have not only made the day possible but have also enabled the club to hand over a much needed cheque to CLIC Sargent. The club has also provided a collection day for CLIC Sargent this season as part of the effort to support these families who face such hard and harrowing times.
CLIC Sargent Social Worker Heather Rake said in a recent message to the club: "Please thank all those who work so hard to put this together. It is much appreciated. A parent told me recently that it's treats like this along the way that help them to get through."
Exeter City's Key Account Manager Bruce Henderson, who is part of the club team that works with CLIC Sargent to set up the day, added: "Like so many people, I have personal experience of the stress that having cancer in the family brings. When it is a child who is affected it is so much harder on everyone, including their brothers and sisters. Exeter City is just pleased to be able to bring a smile to their faces, albeit for a short moment in their family battle to cope and prevail. We sincerely thank these kind and generous sponsors who make this day possible, and who allow us to also donate vital funds to help in future."