Fancy dress parade in aid of disability service

CHILDREN around the Tramore area are getting the chance to get into the Halloween mood this Thursday when a fancy dress parade will be held to benefit a local worthy cause.

The parade and “books and buns” event will benefit the Friends and Family of the Sacred Heart Centre in Waterford city, which helps children with intellectual and physical disabilities.

Taking place in the Run Amuck children’s indoor play centre in Tramore, the event kicks off at 10am and admission will be €3.

The fancy dress parade is the brainchild of two midwives at Waterford Regional Hospital, Claire Bulfin and Eithne Bolger, who have put together a morning of activities aimed at families with younger children.

Claire Bulfin said they were encouraging young visitors to be decked out, while new books have been lined up for the book sale. “We’ll be hoping our supporters on the day will treat themselves to some devilish tales and hauntingly good cakes. In addition, we’ll be encouraging the mums and dads to try their luck in a scary raffle.”

Eithne Bolger said it will help the Sacred Heart Centre which has been run by the HSE at Lady Lane in Waterford since 1974 “and continues to provide outstanding support to families of children who have varying degrees of disability”.

There have been “wonderful differences” made in children’s lives through the health and developmental support provided in the centre, she said.

“The Early Intervention Service, which runs five days per week for children ranging in age from two to five years, is a particular case in point. Children with complex needs who require a large amount of individual attention are supported by therapists working in close collaboration with their families,” she said.

“The Sacred Heart Centre also provides a specialist toddler service two mornings a week, catering for children from 18 months to three years who have developmental delay — alongside a specialist playgroup service two afternoons per week for children three to five years, helping them prepare for a mainstream setting.”