The Shannon Bradshaw Trust community centre has officially opened a new addition, Olivia’s Corner play area for toddlers.
The sun was out and a beautiful day marked the official opening of a wonderful new play facility for children at the Shannon Bradshaw Trust Community Centre on Meeting Lane, Penketh.
Olivia’s Corner is a lovely, well-furnished play park for small toddlers to enjoy. It is named after Olivia Mae Conway, a little girl who had Aplastic anaemia, a rare blood disorder. Sadly aged just 2 years and 2 months and despite a bone marrow transplant arranged by the Anthony Nolan Trust, the bubbly little fighter passed away after developing sepsis in 2016.
As Olivia Mae and Shannon Bradshaw had both suffered from the same rare condition Patti Bradshaw of the Trust suggested a fitting memorial to help keep Olivia’s name alive and the idea of converting an overgrown allotment area into a wonderful place for toddlers.
Now, thanks to lots of hard work it is finished with Olivia’s mum , Charlene Harrison and The Shannon Bradshaw trust obtaining funding, donations of play equipment, benches, fencing and signage with Olivia’s dad, Craig Conway, laying all the paving areas.
Benny Westwood of Warrington Wolves was on hand to cut the ribbon and declare the corner open and local MP Faisal Rashid met and spoke with Patti and Charlene about their work.
After experiencing first hand the effects of having a child with a life-threatening condition and the trauma felt by the whole family, Patti and Alan Bradshaw wanted to help other children and their families who sadly found themselves in similar situations.
Since 2002 the Shannon Bradshaw Trust has been raising money through fundraising events which have helped many sick children and their families throughout the North West.
Some of these activities have supported organisations like The Aplastic Anaemia Trust, & The Anthony Nolan Trust, and they have generally promoted the importance of becoming a blood donor.
The Trust helps with the relief and care of children, young people and their families, living with life-threatening conditions, by the provision of support, equipment or services.
They primarily operate within the North West of England, but have helped children as far as London and Ireland.
If you would like to volunteer, donate or require any information about the charity please call 01925 471170 or visit their website http://shannonstrust.org.uk
Olivia Mae Conway
