A care organisation organised a fun day with a serious purpose – to raise money for a courageous young woman who suffered terrible burns in a coach crash.
Face painting, balloon models and live music were just some of the things on offer at the summer fair which took place at Pendine Park’s main site in Summerhill Road.
A portion of the cash raised is to be donated to the Catrin Pugh Fund.
Catrin, 20, survived after suffering 96 per cent burns following a horrific bus crash in the French Alps.
The young Rossett woman is the only person in the world ever to survive such devastating injuries which left her in a coma for 90 days and in need of more than 200 operations.
She was returning home to North Wales after a stint working at a French ski resort when the horrific coach crash happened in April 2013.
Organiser Tracey Green, Pendine Park’s Enrichment Project Leader, says the event proved a big success with residents and families members enjoying activities and looking at what was on offer at the many stalls.
She said: “I’m pleased lots of children and family members have been here visiting residents who are parents and grandparents. There has been a lovely atmosphere with everyone having lots of fun.
“We have had games, outside in-between the rain showers, live music, balloon modelling, stalls, face painting, live music and a raffle.”
Tracey, who joined in the fun as a face-painting artist for the day, added: “We also held a fundraising evening event at a Bersham club in Wrexham, organised by Jen Roberts, acting registered manager of Gwern Alyn Care Home, which also raised funds for the Catrin Pugh Fund. It was a really good evening raising in excess of £150.”
Wrexham musicians Bill Bishop and Derek Gee entertained residents and guests at the summer fair by playing a string of 60’s and 70’s hits.
Bill, whose wife Karen works in the Pendine Park kitchens, said: “It’s been a lovely day. We come and play quite often for residents with hits by the Shadows being quite popular.
“But we also play a lot of other music from the 60’s and make sure there’s something for everyone. There has been a lovely atmosphere and everyone seems to have had a good time.”
Bryn Bella care Home resident, Elizabeth Roberts, 59, enjoyed seeing her son and grandchildren enjoying playing a football game at the summer fair.
She said: “I’d like to have had a go myself but I can’t in a wheelchair. It’s been a lovely day and I have really enjoyed it.”
Elizabeth’s son, Richard, a welder, says the summer fair made for a nice change and meant residents could enjoy some quality time together.
He said: “I visit mum at least once a week. It’s hard been on shifts but my wife, Helen, calls in more often. Today has been brilliant and the atmosphere has been great.
“It makes a nice change and there has been a lovely community feel about the place while there’s been going on to keep everyone entertained. I think everyone has had a really good time.”
Suzanne Lewis, 35, a resident of Pen y Bryn Care Home, made pottery bowls and ornaments which she sold on a stall at the summer fair.
She said: “It’s been a nice, lovely day. I make the pottery items in art classes and decided I could sell some to make some money for the Residents’ Fund.
“I have enjoyed the summer fair it been a good idea and its nice seeing so many people visiting and having a good time.”
Balloon artist Geraint Davies, who also works with Pendine Park Independent Living supporting individuals in the community, says the summer fair had been really special and he had enjoyed showing off his balloon modelling skills.
He said: “The day has brought people together and residents and families have had a really good time. The whole day will benefit residents with the proceeds going to their fund.
“I’m also glad some of the money raised will be going to the Catrin Pugh Fund. I went to the fundraising night in Bersham and did some ballooning model there too. Again, that was a really good event and raised a really good amount in support of the fund.”
Acting registered manager of Gwern Alyn, Jen Roberts, says the summer fair, despite the poor weather, had been a big success.
She said: “Everyone has had a good time and joined in despite the showers. I was also pleased the fundraising event we held in support of Catrin Pugh as part of the summer fair was also a hit.
“In total the evening raised more than £150 with people of all ages being made welcome. Pendine park staff members, Lynne Williams, Yvonne Moran and Diane Smith worked so hard on the raffle
“But I have to say we have had so much help from everyone. I it really has been a big Pendine Park team effort.”
She added; “We had planned a wheelchair push on Saturday, August 2 from Gwern Alyn to Belle View but we had to postpone the event because of the bad weather, although the barbecue and entertainment did go ahead.”
