A local family who attend Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People in Loughborough were able to enjoy a fun-packed day with the animals at Twycross Zoo, thanks to the donations raised at a recent event by Holland & Barrett.
The family of four from Leicestershire, were told about the children’s hospice when their son Edward was diagnosed with Partial Trisomy 9 when he was three weeks old, a rare condition which means he was born with an extra chromosome. Edward, who is now four has the development age of a one-year-old and has mild Cerebral Palsy. His rare condition means he suffers with many health problems from hypermobility, narrowed airways and visual impairment, therefore parents Gemma and Jamie Olweny can’t take their eyes off him for a second and sadly don’t know what the future holds for him.
Mum, Gemma, said:“It was such as treat to be able to enjoy a family trip and see the children interact with the animals at Twycross zoo, a day out which most families may just take for granted. Rainbows provide so many benefits not just for Edward, but for the whole family and we are so grateful to companies like Holland & Barrett who raise money to support the centre and help families like ours enjoy precious time together.”
Holland & Barrett has supported Rainbows for the past six years, raising an impressive £380,000 through a variety of local charity events including hosting an annual industry charity golf day and gala dinner, supported by staff and suppliers to the retailer’s 700 stores.
