Emergency services open day for children’s charity

Tuesday, 03 July 2012 12:41

k4k k4kTHE emergency services in Mayo are coming together for a unique free family fun open day.

The showcase takes place in the grounds of Ballyheane Community Centre on Saturday, July 14, from 12 to 5 p.m.

This once-off novel event is in aid of Kyle4Kids, a charity raising funds for Crumlin Hospital and the children’s ward at Mayo General Hospital.

On the day children will have unique access to emergency services’ equipment and personnel, be it a fire engine or ambulance.

All the Mayo emergency services will be there - ambulance, fire service, coastguard (who will give a helicopter rescue demonstration), the civil defence, An Garda Síochána and mountain rescue team.

Children and adults will get to experience what the services do first hand, with everything from exploring a fire truck to learning CPR.

There are also a range of side events to keep the children entertained, including face painting, bouncy castles, colouring competitions, sponge throwing, music, and free goodie bags.

There will be a number of stands and as well as being a fun day, it’s a chance to learn more about safety in general, including road and fire safety, with information from the Road Safety Authority and fire services.

There is no admission fee but donations can be made on the day to the charity by way of bucket collections. The event is being run on a totally voluntary basis.

There will also be a draw with great prizes including a flight, children’s bicycle and hotel vouchers.

The organiser is Gordon Nimmo, a paramedic based in Castlebar. He has established Kyle4Kids, a registered charity, to raise funds for Crumlin and Mayo General Hospital as a thank you for the medical care received by his son Kyle.

Kyle, aged two, who suffers from a heart condition, has already been through more medical dramas than most people will face in a lifetime.

Dad Gordon says it is humbling to see other children and families going through similar and often much more testing times. Kyle4Kids is his family’s way of giving something back to those families and the medical teams who support them.

You can become a sponsor, donate online or follow Kyle’s story on the dedicated website, www.kyle4kids.com. Donations are also welcome through the Kyle4Kids bank account, Ulster Bank, Ellison Street, Castlebar. Account number: 11724766. Sort code: 98-54-20.

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