Youngsters were given red carpet treatment during a special movie-themed activity day organised by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The event was specifically for ten youngsters with Muscular Dystrophy and took place at Milton. It gave them an opportunity to socialise and meet others with the same condition, and the day started with icebreakers and a film-themed game of ‘human bingo’. Small teams were then sent into the playground and sensory garden, armed with devices to scan codes as part of a movie scavenger quiz.
Lunch included a make-your-own pizza session, and the children picked their favourite toppings while being entertained with a ‘songs from the movies’ quiz. After tucking in, the children then split into two teams for their next activities.
Senior Carer Ben Goddard held a ‘School of Rock’ music session in The Den. The other group hit the playroom, creating their own unique artwork to be printed on t-shirts to give them a memory of the day.
“Ben used musical apps, including one with facial recognition, to convert a child’s opening and closing of the mouth into musical sounds,” said Ceri Dobson, EACH’s Groups and Events Co-ordinator at Milton. “It was a truly magical moment and added to the song being created.”
Other highlights included a visit from a Pets as Therapy (PAT) dog, before the day finished with a popular silent disco.
“The children requested their favourite songs, and we boogied away with glow sticks, disco lights and blow-up microphones,” added Ceri. “What a day it was and one to remember. Staff commented that one of the best things was seeing friendship groups forming. The children enjoyed themselves and worked together, like when they were trying to locate the QR codes. It was a real team effort.
“A few had been a bit unsure on the morning, but I was thrilled to hear that by the end of the day they’d had lots of fun. We’re already looking forward to planning next year’s MD Day.”
