CHILDREN with life-threatening illnesses had an enchanting and magical Christmas in Lapland and Disney Land thanks to the donations of Solihull residents.
Five poorly youngsters and their families, from the borough and across the Midlands, met their favourite Disney characters, went dog-sledging and built snowmen – making memories of a lifetime during their extra special trip.
Matt Denning set up Matt’s Mission Children’s Charity which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses and severe special needs in 2011.
Since 2015 Matt has been seen on the streets of Solihull dressed up as a superhero to raise funds to pay for sick children and their families to visit Disney Land and Lapland.
This year a massive £13,000 has been raised so far.
Matt said: “By the public supporting and coming over to drop in loose change it really does go a long way, all the funds raised is banked and goes towards the two trips.
“The public in Solihull at the Game store have helped raise £27,000 since June 2015.
“Trips to Disney and Lapland have been going for three years now and more than 19 sick children plus siblings and parents have had a magical experience.
“Sadly the first year of doing the trip we later had one of the children pass away having been fighting cancer.
“Another child passed away who went to Lapland last year and we also had a child pass away this year that was to sick to travel the night before.
“This year we had one child due to go on to the trip but have had to sadly take her off due to her passing away, another child fighting cancer has been added on and is so excited to be going.”
The charity has also set up a sensory room and advice hub for children and their families to go to for advice and support at Bouncing Bears Daycare Nursery on School Road in Yardley Wood.
Visit www.mattsmission.co.uk for more or to support Matt’s cause.
