Children and families enjoyed a fun filled afternoon at the Bridge Church, St Ives earlier this month to celebrate the fourth anniversary of the Beads of Courage in Cambridgeshire.

Children living with long term life-limiting conditions and their families celebrated alongside characters including Iron Man, Paw Patrol, Calamity Clown whilst enjoying popcorn, drumming and glitter tattoos.

The day was a celebration of the courage of the children throughout the year during their treatment, looking back at the beads they’ve received and what they’ve overcome. The Beads of Courage help alleviate treatment induced stress and anxiety which can occur in children living with long term life-limiting conditions.

The children and their families were joined by members of staff from Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust.

Mags Hirst, Play Specialist for the Children's Community Nursing Team said: “We are thrilled to see so many of our young patients here today.

“We are so grateful for the amazing support from many local companies and individuals who have given their time and expertise freely to enable us to hold the fun filled party for our very brave and courageous youngsters.”

Siana Hay, Kayla’s mum said: “The team are everything; they are so supportive of the children and families. This party just shows how much they care.

“The beads are something beautiful and positive in such a turbulent time. They are so important to the children and provide a great distraction, even for parents.”

Maria Nowshadi, Team Lead for the Children’s Community Nursing Team said:  “The Bead party is a fabulous celebration of our brave children and their families.

The day was made even more amazing by the kindness of local companies who donated time, money and their specialist skills to make sure the children had a good time.”

Anita Pisani, Deputy Chief Executive for the Trust who attended the event alongside the families and staff thanked everyone for coming: “I want to thank the children and their families for coming along to such a wonderful event.

“The Community Nursing Team spends all year supporting people across the county and today is a day to celebrate that with the children and their families. Therefore, I’d like to say a huge thank you to the team who do such a fabulous job throughout the year.”

If anyone would like to donate to this worthy cause the charitable fund for donations is TSC13 /1108920/Cambs mental health and primary care trust charitable fund.