Festive dreams
More than 300 children with life-threatening illnesses from across the country had a ball at the Les Hoey MBE DreamMaker Foundation Christmas party.
The fun-filled bash was also attended by stars as diverse as X Factor hopeful Gregor Coleman, former Rangers, AC Milan and England football hero Mark Hateley as well as Bubbles the Clown, Spiderman and, of course, Santa.
“It was another fantastic party for the kids,” said Wishaw man Les Hoey.
“We can’t believe that every year it just gets bigger and bigger.
“All the children enjoyed sweets, sausage rolls, sandwiches and juice throughout the day and took part in countless party games.
“As well as the youngsters, the big kids in the shape of mums and dads also took part and had just as much fun.
“Every child received a present to the value of £ 30 and we had some special prizes like a Nintendo Switch for the winner of a colouringin competition,” added Les.
The annual party is now in its 18th year ar and this time round nd was held on Sunday y in the Radstone Hotel otel in Larkhall.
“We have had d to keep moving to bigger r venues because of the e increasing numbers coming ng along and it might well be e that at some stage in the future uture we will need to hold two wo parties.”
Les praised the help he gets from the two wo people who help rund the Foundation.
“Laura Cochrane chrane and Angela Cook work ork their socks off to organise it all,” he said. “There are also o volunteers and everyone who donates throughout the year to make it possible, so a big thanks is due to all of them, em,
“And it is all worthwhile when we see the e youngstgers’ faces.
“For a wee charity harity we do really well.”
The next event ent planned by the foundation ion is a trip to Lapland with 15 5 children, a paramedic and d a nurse on December 22.