Rainbows has Downing Street treat

Ten families from Rainbows enjoyed a once in a lifetime opportunity this week as they attended the Prime Minister’s Christmas Party.

On Monday (15th), the families were whisked to Number 10 Downing Street where they met David Cameron and his wife Samantha, children’s entertainers Dick and Dom, some of the cast of Paddington along with Paddington Bear himself, princesses and Santa Claus.

We were one of several charities chosen to attend the annual party thanks to Loughborough MP Nicky Morgan who organised the visit. Due to limited places, the children were all selected by ballot to ensure a fair process.

Four-year-old Harry Norton was born with complex congenital heart disease and underwent two operations at an early age. Last year, he suffered two cardiac arrests while having a routine bronchoscopy which left him severely brain damaged due to the lack of oxygen.

Harry benefits from respite care at Rainbows and attended the event with his parents and sister Caitlin (six). Mum Sam said: “What an amazing opportunity this has been and Harry and his sister have loved it. It has been an absolute privilege and to be able to represent Rainbows and talk about Rainbows is fantastic, we are really grateful.”

Amisha Patel (15) is unable to talk or walk and her development is delayed. She also has epilepsy, is unable to feed and is blind in one eye. She also went to the party. Mum Meena said: “It was just a beautiful day, we really loved it. And it is something we never thought we would do. Amisha loved meeting Santa and she was also very excited to meet the Prime Minister.”

Jo Sims, head of family support at Rainbows, added: “This was a wonderful day for the families who attended the Christmas party and they all said it was a magical and a once in a lifetime opportunity. We are delighted to have been given the chance to attend such a prestigious occasion and it is a memory our families can treasure.”