Gloomy start couldn’t dampen Littlehampton fun day

A GLOOMY start could not stop Littlehampton’s latest family fun day from shining brightly on Saturday (April 11) and raising hundreds for charity.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Apr 2015, 06:00 BST
CancerWise fundraising manager Emma Neno pictured with her dad Graham TylerCancerWise fundraising manager Emma Neno pictured with her dad Graham Tyler
CancerWise fundraising manager Emma Neno pictured with her dad Graham Tyler

Rain, described by organisers as ‘torrential’, battered much of Mewsbrook Park just hours before the action was due to take place.

However, with minutes to go until the public was due to start arriving, the clouds broke and the sun beamed down.

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Hundreds of people flocked to revel in the day, co-organised by David Chace, of the Mewsbrook Park Café, to support cancer charity CancerWise.

Izabella Weeks, eight, enjoying some of the day's actionIzabella Weeks, eight, enjoying some of the day's action
Izabella Weeks, eight, enjoying some of the day's action

Emma Neno, fundraising manager for the charity, was overwhelmed by the support on the day.

She said: “When I woke up at 8am I wasn’t very happy. There was torrential rain and really strong wind outside.

“I thought that we might have had to cancel it.”

She said there was a slight delay to proceedings, while they waited for the weather to turn.

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High kicks with Zumba with DaniHigh kicks with Zumba with Dani
High kicks with Zumba with Dani

Emma added: “It was great, as soon as the sun came out the crowds came with it.”

The day raised about £800 for CancerWise.

One of the most popular attractions of the morning was the Littlehampton Dog Training Club’s dog show, which featured a total of 91 entries, in six different categories.

All the entries were judged by Littlehampton’s new carnival ‘royals’ and the town’s mayor, Jill Long.

Daniel Martin and his pet Chessie won the dog with the most appealing eyes class, with Gemma Miles’ pup Harry, clinching the title of the dog with the ‘waggiest’ tail.

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Most handsome dog was Hayley Callaway’s Otto, while the prettiest bitch went to Stacey Maguire’s Rosie.

Tiki Hills’ pet, Fudge, was hailed as the pet judges most wanted to take home, while Gerry Keenan’s delighful duo of Izzy and Mitch were jointly crowned the dog with the ‘R (ahhhhh) Factor’.

Live entertainment from Celebration Samba, Dani & Stuart Zumba, Zumba with Sally and The Wonder Girls and Boys left crowds with a grin on their face, added Emma.

Visitors also had the chance to get their faces painted, jump on bouncy castles and take part in activities Pro-Coaching Football Academy.

Emma thanked all those who helped and donated, saying: “The support of businesses and communities for charities is imperative. It’s vital. We couldn’t survive without all their help.