Variety show helps raise thousands for Hastings charity to help disabled children

The family of a disabled little girl helped organise a variety show in aid of a children's charity.
Summer Finlay (centre) with her dad Shaun hand over the chequeSummer Finlay (centre) with her dad Shaun hand over the cheque
Summer Finlay (centre) with her dad Shaun hand over the cheque

Shaun and Ann-marie Finlay, together with Sam and Adam Smith and Lisa Middleton, put on the fundraiser for Charity for Kids on Saturday, November 25.

They held a similar event two years ago, raising more than £2,500 and were aiming to beat that.

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This year, with the help of sponsors Stagecoach Buses, the Battle Lions Club and Hastings Direct they nearly doubled their target, raising a massive £4,476.

The fundraiser, called Showtime, featured many different performances including dancers, twirlers, a magician and was compèred by local comedian Andy Burton.

Special guests attending the show included Lord Brett McLean and the deputy mayor, councillor Nigel Sinden.

The team chose to support Charity for Kids, as the organisation has supported five-year-old Summer Finlay over the past three years with multiple mobility aids, including a specialised self-propelled wheelchair, specialist trike and physio equipment for the family’s home.

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Summer, who lives in Ore, was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus and is paralysed from the chest down.

On top of these problems she also has issues with her bladder and bowel.

Summer’s dad, Shaun, said: “We are so grateful for all the help we have received that has helped improve Summer’s quality of life over the past few years.

“We wanted to give something back to the charity and to help others in our position. Showtime has enabled us to do this and to put a smile on so many faces at the same time.”

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The Showtime team were proud to ask Summer to hand over the cheque to Jay Wootten, from Charity for Kids.

Charity for Kids was set up in 2011 by Paul Harris to help sick and disabled youngsters in 1066 Country. Since then the charity has helped scores of children, thanks to fundraisers from generous people.

To read more about Summer’s story you can find her on Facebook by logging on at www.facebook.com/summers.story1.