More than 100 people came together for some springtime fun during a Bunny Hunt Fun Day organised by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The seasonal celebration gave children, families and staff the opportunity to enjoy an afternoon packed with activities, games and animal encounters.
Taking place at EACH’s hospice in Milton, one of the highlights was a visit from Wycomb Pastures Mobile Petting Farm.
Children had the chance to meet and interact with a range of friendly animals, including goats, sheep, a pony, a tortoise, rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens. The experience proved hugely popular, giving youngsters a rare opportunity to feed, hold and stroke the animals.
The hospice garden was transformed into an interactive bunny trail, where children searched for hanging bunny decorations hidden in the trees.
Each bunny featured a symbol, which participants noted down before using a special decoder poster to reveal a series of letters. When unscrambled, the letters spelled out the word ‘CHOCOLATE’.
Creative activities were also on offer, including biscuit-decorating and the chance to make bunny masks, alongside a hands-on planting activity. Families decorated porcelain plant pots with colourful pens and stickers before filling them with soil and sunflower seeds to take home.
“We wanted to give families a chance to spend quality time together in a relaxed and happy environment, and it was wonderful to see so many smiles throughout the afternoon,” said Ceri Dobson, EACH’s Groups and Events Co-ordinator at Milton.
“The animals were a real highlight – seeing children’s faces light up as they fed and held them was incredibly special – and there was a real sense of excitement as families worked their way around our bunny trail.
“It was lovely to see them so engaged and determined to solve the puzzle.
“It really was a fantastic afternoon from start to finish, and we’re so grateful to everyone who helped make it happen.
“Days like this are so important, because they give families the chance to have fun, relax and make precious memories together.”
A selection of snacks and refreshments helped keep energy levels high, with sausage rolls, cheese straws, cornflake nest cakes and a variety of sweet treats, including lemon drizzle cake, available throughout the afternoon.
Children also took part in an egg hunt on the hospice playground – some of which were filled with chocolate treats and others with squidgy balls – while other bigger eggs were handed out after being generously donated by corporate supporter DS Smith Packaging, in Ely.
Facepainting added to the atmosphere, with children and parents alike transformed into a range of colourful characters thanks to Paint Every Face.
Pictures: Dik Ng/EACH
