Panto joy for children’s charity as Sunflowers’ special festive date is sponsored – oh yes, it is!

Generous Grimsby fish merchants are providing the gift of laughter this Christmas.

Independent figures at the fore of the town’s proud industry have clubbed together to sponsor a special performance of the Parkway Cleethorpes Pantomime, enabling Sunflowers Children’s Action Group to host youngsters with life-limiting and life-shortening conditions in a special setting.

Scores of families are now being given the chance to take in The Snow Queen at the resort venue, thanks to the £7,500 donation.Allison Rawling, trustee, said: “We make memories for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and with the help of good people we can put on wonderful events to do just that.

“We are hugely grateful. To be able to book the pantomime – and what will be the first performance of the season – is terrific. It is great for larger families, and those with older children, and by having the whole theatre it ensures more space and allows us to add all the special extra touches. These are precious times that make precious memories and if we didn’t receive support like this we simply would not be able to do it.”

The merchants have united under the Fish Dock Reunion Club name, with an annual get-together organised by Chris Dillon a highlight alongside the charitable acts they undertake. Individual members are also responsible for providing the premises for Grimsby Food Kitchen, while supporting the likes of Shalom Youth Centre, Harbour Place, the NSPCC and a cause close to the wider industry – the Fishermen’s Mission.

Pete Dalton, representing the group, said: “We like to put something back into the local community. This is a fantastic charity, and it is something that has come out of the reunion we all enjoy, thanks to the work of Chris. The skillset there is second to none, and we’re keen to ensure there’s a continued awareness of this in the town.

“The pantomime is described as a fast-paced, highly entertaining frozen feast of family fun, so it is fitting those from a fast-paced industry providing many a Friday feast of fish have been able to step up.”

Launched in 2019, Sunflowers is a Grimsby-based registered charity and supports around 130 families, with the majority from across northern Lincolnshire.  It has a dedicated team of 30-plus volunteers to call upon.  

The pledge was made at a regular breakfast club held at The Jug and Bottle in Holton-le-Clay, one of several gatherings for those united by adversity, ensuring families and children don’t face their respective challenges alone.