A Warsash pub is hosting a weekend of family events this bank holiday to raise funds for a heart unit charity that a Locks Heath boy attends.
Staff at the Silver Fern pub go-kart for cancer fundraiser last year
Families can enjoy three days of fun and games at The Silver Fern pub in Warsash Road, in aid of the Families of Ocean Ward charity.
The charity provides emotional and financial support to the families making use of the facilities on Ocean Ward in Southampton General Hospital.
It is run by Sam Prior whose son Aaron has undergone lifesaving heart operations at the ward. He was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, which means that he is missing the left ventricle muscle that pumps oxygenated blood around his body.
At four days old he underwent major heart surgery and Aaron, now 11, has had a number of other procedures since.
“We help families out and give hardship payments. We try to alleviate the expense for people,” said Sam.
“The misconception is that when your child is in hospital you get everything free when it’s not the case. All the money that we raise funds things like TVs, games consoles for the children and we help to replace lap tops and things when they become worn.
“I’m looking forward to this weekend. The Silver Fern is such a friendly, family orientated pub where you always feel welcome.”
Sharon Brown, manager of the pub, said after last year’s event raised funds for Macmillan Cancer Support she wanted the 2013 event to help the charity of the family who often attend the pub.
“We have become close friends,” said Sharon. “Because Sam and her husband Paul come in here with their boys and they play with our kids, we approached them to see if we could raise the money for Ocean Ward and asked them to get involved.
“From mum to another mum, I can see how much Sam does for her boys and her husband.
“She works and still manages to do the charity work and keeps smiling. She’s one of these women I think how does she manage?
“I would like to think over the weekend we could raise £1,500, if not more.”
The events kick off on Friday (August 23) with a family quiz evening at 7.30pm, continues Saturday (August 24) at 9am when the pub is hosting a car boot sale.
It costs £10 for sellers at the car boot sale, which is donated to the charity.
The main event is all day Sunday (August 25) from mid-day with bouncy castles, balloon art, an outside bar, barbecue and transfer tattoos, games, biscuit decorating, nail painting and tombolas.