Family fun day raises important funds for local hospital’s charity

A young fan meets Bluey at the Lion’s Picnic

A family fun day has raised important funds to help enhance the experience of a visit to hospital for local children.

Hampshire Hospital’s Charity hosted its annual Lion’s Picnic on Sunday with hundreds of people descending on Winchester Rugby Club to enjoy a day of entertainment.

Visitors were kept busy throughout the day with live music, pony rides, a display of motorcycles, children’s mascots and plenty of stalls to peruse, including a large range of food and drink vendors.

The event, which was sponsored by Howden, was arranged to help raise money for the charity’s children and young people fund which uses generous donations to make improvements to local hospitals, ensuring they are welcoming and appropriate for children of all ages.

Pony rides were a favourite

Morgan Hughes, fundraising assistant at the Hampshire Hospitals Charity who oversaw the event, said; “It has been a fantastic day and I’m pleased that so many people came out to enjoy it and support the charity.

“The money raised at the Lion’s Picnic will be used to purchase equipment and support at our hospitals to help our youngest patients. This could include providing toys and games for playrooms, creating child friendly spaces in waiting rooms or funding equipment for assessment and treatment.”