Daredevil youngsters showed their agility and scaled new heights during a fun-filled evening at Clip ‘n Climb Ipswich.
The session was organised by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) for children and families receiving care and support at The Treehouse.
Clip ‘n Climb Ipswich provided full and complimentary use of their centre, and families had the chance to tackle various walls and challenges.
They conquered fears, with some plucking up the courage to reach the highest points, and one of those to flourish was Olivia Alvarez-Pilcher.
The 14-year-old was born with a rare genetic condition called Mowat-Wilson syndrome, but, using a special harness, was able to be hoisted into the air.
Mum Maria said: “It was such a great moment and so heartwarming.
“Olivia normally clings to me and doesn’t leave my side, especially in a noisy place with lots of people around.
“However, she was willing to go and explore with a member of staff, which speaks volumes for how comfortable she felt.
“The Clip ‘n Climb team are superb, and we couldn’t be more grateful for this special opportunity.”
Overall, around 50 children, young people and family members enjoyed the session, including siblings of those receiving care at The Treehouse.
Alex and Mia Barden, 14 and six respectively, were there with mum Jodie and sisters Chloe and Ella, who both have Cockayne syndrome.
“It was a fantastic night and lovely for Alex and Mia to be able to do something fun during half-term,” said Jodie.
“It’s hard finding things we can all enjoy together, as a family. Even something simple like going to the park or having a bike ride can be hard, because it’s impossible for me to be in four places at once.
“An opportunity like this means a lot and is much appreciated.”
Mum Fay Tarrant was there with partner Kurt and children Archie, 12, Freddie, 11, and Lillie-Rose, seven.
Fay’s other daughter, Gracie-Leigh, 13, has a number of complex, life-limiting health conditions, mainly involving her heart and lungs.
“As a family, we get so much out of evenings like this,” she said.
“It’s a chance to do something we’re not able to do with Gracie-Leigh. Without an evening of this nature, my other children would miss out and that makes me feel guilty, so I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
Mum Laura Barber brought along Elsie, 13, Dougie, 12, and Ivy, 11. Son George, 13, has Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
“It was so lovely to step back and watch my children having fun,” she said.
“As a family, we were very grateful to be invited, and our thanks go to both EACH and Clip ‘n Climb.”
The evening had started with families enjoying a spread of food, followed by a short safety briefing. They learnt how to clip and unclip themselves, before attaching their safety harnesses and starting to climb.
Kelly Evans, EACH’s Groups and Events Co-ordinator at The Treehouse, thanked everyone at Clip ‘n Climb.
“They’ve been so generous over the course of the past three years, offering sessions like this and being incredibly supportive,” she said.
“It’s such a fun place and the staff make sure everyone feels included. I love watching the families enjoying each other’s company, surrounded by other EACH families.”
Georgie Lilburn-Davey, General Manager at Clip ‘n Climb Ipswich, said she was delighted to host such a special evening as part of the centre’s ongoing partnership with EACH.
“Seeing the children and families enjoying themselves and making memories together was incredibly rewarding,” she said.
“We’re proud to support the amazing work EACH does and value the opportunity to give back to such a vital cause in our community.”
Pictures: Leo Martin (@parallaxwolf)
