Days Out

Throughout the year we focus on the child with NF1, and run events such as Build a Bear workshops, which are all about making magical memories, forgetting everyday life for a hour or so but most importantly having fun and making new friendships along the way, wether that being in a cuddly teddy bear, a real friend for life or just simply both. Youngsters with NF1 from a few months old to early adulthood all join in together. Twice a year we organise a special day for the whole family to enjoy where siblings can meet other siblings and parents can also meet other parents. For many this is very special as it is sometimes the only opportunity they will get to go to a theme park as a family due to the cost. These days are also an important time for the children who have been to our camp. It means that they are able to meet up with their friends and abandon the rest of their family to spend time together and catch up. This can mean it becomes less of a family day out for some, but as many of these children find friendships hard, their parents are more than happy to see their children away doing what they wish they would do more often. Our days out are to Alton Towers Theme Park and Chessington World of Adventures. Chessington is perfect for those who don’t like theme parks as there is also a zoo and a Sealife Centre located within the park too. The most important part of the day is when all the families come together for lunch. This provides the opportunity for families to relax and share their experiences with other families and vice versa. It is also a time where friendships between one family and another family are formed. We also provide t-shirts for all the family to wear on the day. Everyone comments on how nice it is to see other families around the park wearing them, giving them a feeling that they are not alone and also an opportunity to say hello to each other and join in on a ride or two!

Many many important friendships are formed at days out like this……

chessington