Brighton Pier recently hosted a VIP day for Tickets2Wishes, the national fundraising scheme run by Bacta, the UK’s trade association for the amusement industry.
Brighton Pier, which is a Bacta member, hosted the event for local Rays of Sunshine families.
Mike Brocklehurst, arcade operations manager at Brighton Pier, and his team also presented Rays of Sunshine with a cheque for a further £3,500, raised via the Tickets2Wishes initiative, which turns left over redemption tickets collected in the arcade into magical wishes.
Attending was 16-year-old Cameron, from Brighton, and his family. In early 2016, the teen was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, which he underwent intensive chemotherapy treatment for. He is currently in remission and doing well. Rays of Sunshine granted his wish in April 2017 to go to Orlando, visit the famous parks and attend the WWE Wrestle Mania Special show.
Five-year-old Hunter also attended with his family. At just a week old, he was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a form of eye cancer. He has undergone intensive treatment and remains under close observation to ensure his tumours remain stable. Rays of Sunshine is granting his wish to have a special day out incorporating all his favourite things including a helicopter ride and monster trucks.
Jane Sharpe, CEO of Rays of Sunshine, said: “A huge thanks to Brighton Pier for hosting such a fun-filled day for Cameron, Hunter and their families this weekend. Family days out like these give our families the chance to create special memories and spend quality time together. We are so grateful to the Bacta charitable trust and its members for supporting the Tickets2Wishes fundraising scheme. It is only with the support of our valued partners, like Bacta, that we can continue our work to brighten the lives of seriously ill children. Thank you to all of the customers who have donated their tickets to grant magical wishes."
James Miller, president of Bacta, said: "Tickets2Wishes is a fantastic charity initiative that brings together bacta members, like Brighton Pier and local families that have recently had their wish granted by Rays of Sunshine. Tickets2Wishes is all about friends and families coming together to have fun and make happy memories, and by supporting Rays of Sunshine through the Tickets2Wishes scheme we can go on to grant other wishes to deserving families across the country.”
To date, bacta members have raised £500,000 through its charitable trust and partnership with Rays of Sunshine.
Pictured: From left: Mike Brocklehurst (Brighton Pier), Olivia Marks (Rays of Sunshine) Anne Ackord (CEO Brighton Pier Group) and Rays of Sunshine families
