A THRIVING local charity has marked 10 years supporting families of children with additional needs with a special birthday bash.
Tiny Steps was set up in 2013 by a Northwich couple who experienced isolation after their child was born with developmental difficulties in 2010.
The charity provides specialist stay and play sessions in Northwich and Winsford, but its ultimate goal is to set up its own inclusive sensory centre and social café.
Saturday, October 21, saw Tiny Steps families and volunteers mark the end of its first decade with a whole day and night of celebrations.
These included a free family magic show at Northwich Plaza; special stay and play sessions at Antrobus Village Hall; and a sell-out 90s-themed gig, also at the Plaza, with Seahorses frontman Chris Helme, and The La’s and Cast lead singer, John Power.
Clint Boon of the Inspiral Carpets rocked crowds at the Plaza as party of Tiny Steps 10th birthday bash (Image: Diane Dixon)
Tiny Steps trustee, Diane Dixon, said: “This wasn’t a fundraiser; it was a pure celebration. The atmosphere was just fantastic.
“We had about 60 families come visit us over the course of the day.
“The kids loved the DJ, Party Pete, who does all-inclusive discos. He was noisy, but he had a quiet zone, which is really good.
“He’s got a machine which blows toilet rolls out like a cannon, which the kids loved.
“It was just a really nice atmosphere. Everyone had fun, and anyone who couldn’t cope with the noise had somewhere quiet to go.”
Lucy Freeman and her family are regular attenders at Tiny Steps sessions (Image: Diane Dixon)
Fellow trustee, Scott Burstow, took the lead on the evening celebrations.
He said: “Saturday was our best-attended party to date.
“Six-hundred people descended on the Plaza from right across the UK to see Chris Helme and John Power, as well as local band Gas Kunst, and Inspiral Carpets legend, Clint Boon.
“It was amazing to see the Plaza restored to its former glory in what was a great event for the charity, but also great for the town.
“Here’s to the next 10 years!
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