Slideshow: Grantham families build memories at Legoland Windsor

Fantastic” and “fun-packed” were just two of the words used to describe a day out to Legoland Windsor, made possible thanks to YOUR generosity.

Supporters raised thousands of pounds for the Journal’s Summer Sizzler appeal, allowing the Grantham Journal Children’s Fund charity to take 13 wonderful children and their families to the theme park on Saturday, a sizzling hot, sunny day.

The charity exists to offer financial support to families with a disabled child. One way in which we do that is to organise special trips – in previous years we have taken youngsters to Lapland and Disneyland Paris.

On the way down to Legoland, the coach was filled with excited youngsters and on the way back there were some sleepy faces!

One youngster who enjoyed the day was Saxon Evans, 11, who lives with his mum Juliette and 15-year-old brother Dylan.

Juliette said: “Saxon had a great time. His favourite ride was the Submarine where he got to see a real shark and stingray. He also liked the Dragon Roller Coaster.

The day meant a lot

“Thank you for making this happen for us.”

Freddie Chantry-Parke, 7, also loved seeing the sea creatures. Mum Rebecca said: “It was a long day and very hot...but Freddie didn’t care, he loved it. I’m sure his favourite part was the Submarine and seeing real sharks.”

Arabella Coombes, of Croxton Kerrial, took her twin six-year-old sons James and Edward, who were also joined by grandma Christine Crafts. Arabella said: “We’d like to say a massive thank you. We all had a brilliant time.”

Each adult and child on the trip was given money to pay for food and drinks, while the children were also given a little spending money. Tyler Mitchell, 12, chose to buy a Lego set.

His mum, Rachel, said: “We had a fantatic day, it was lovely that the Journal people (and charity trustees) came with us for support when needed. Everyone helped each other and we got through the busy day with no stress.”

For one family, the trip was a much-needed treat. Carlene Stoney, mum to eight-year-old Jacob Murphy, said: “The day meant a lot as I was weeks out of emergency major surgery in Lincoln, so all our summer plans came to nothing.

“Many thanks to the Grantham Journal and their supporters.”

The Dalton family enjoyed the trip despite the heavy crowds and blazing hot sun. Mum Lorraine and dad Dean took their son Jack, 4. Lorraine said: “It has given us confidence that Jack will enjoy theme parks.”

Jane and Adrian Peck took sons Dylan, 4, and Aiden, 2. Jane said: “It was wonderful, we loved it.”

As did the Devine/Cleary family. Mum Katie Devine and dad Luke Cleary took their three children, Loui, Vinny and Myla.

Katie said: “The kids loved it and they loved the toys they bought from Legoland.”

** Special thanks must go to Natalie Kaye at Roma Travel in Grantham for arranging the trip, and to Tom and Terry and the rest of the team at AC Williams in Ancaster.