Siblings made new furry friends during an Easter trip to a petting farm in North Essex.
The adventure was for children who are either bereaved or have a brother or sister receiving care from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) at The Treehouse, in Ipswich.
Five youngsters went along and enjoyed a day of fresh air, smiles and laughter at Hasty’s Farm, in Clacton.
Animal encounters were a highlight of the day, with the group meeting and feeding goats, sheep and alpacas.
The day began with a few raindrops, but spirits stayed high as the children set off on their farm adventure. By the afternoon, the sun made a welcome appearance – perfect timing for an action-packed day of outdoor fun.
The children explored the adventure playground, dug and built in the sand pit and took part in an egg trail.
For those with a need for speed, pedal-powered go-karts and grass sledges proved a big hit, while space hopper races brought out everyone’s competitive streak.
“The group was made up of both bereaved and non-bereaved siblings, and they enjoyed the chance to spend time together in a relaxed and supportive environment,” said Hailey Allen, EACH’s Play Specialist at The Treehouse.
“It was wonderful to see so many smiles as the children had fun, made friends and shared new experiences together.
“With lots of free play woven throughout the day, they could simply be themselves – connecting, exploring and creating happy memories.”
Everyone brought a packed lunch, taking time to refuel and chat before heading back out for more fun.
