Former rugby player Michael ‘Mickii’ Edwards, of Great Harwood, has undertaken the heartwarming responsibility of arranging an extraordinary opportunity for 52 underprivileged and disabled children. On Sunday, July 28, he will be guiding a group of youngsters from Hyndburn, Blackburn, and other areas to the exhilarating Alton Towers.
The inspiration for this initiative emerged when Mickii posted about the trip on his Facebook page. Within a short span of 45 minutes, 42 VIP tickets were swiftly claimed. Mickii, who previously played for St Helens, Oldham, and Wales, expressed his delight at the overwhelming response. “The children are over the moon,” he said. “They just don’t get this opportunity much. We are taking children in wheelchairs, foster children, and carers who look after their sick mums and dads. It’ll be a special treat for the summer holidays.”
This heartwarming endeavour aims to provide children who may not have the means to go on holiday this year with a memorable experience to anticipate during the summer break. For over a decade, Mickii has been committed to organizing more than 70 adventures for children, including visits to Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios and Gulliver’s World. Significantly, he also took 70 underprivileged children, including Ukrainian refugees, on an unforgettable trip to Disneyland Paris last year.
The funding for these trips mainly comes from the profits of Mickii’s bar, Tipsy Cows, located in Great Harwood. However, to broaden the scope of this wonderful initiative, Mickii is presently seeking support from businesses to help cover the costs of transportation and additional tickets so that even more children can partake in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Individuals or businesses interested in offering support or making a donation are encouraged to contact Mickii directly via email at [email protected] or by calling him on 07947 121211. For further details and updates, the community is welcome to visit Mickii’s Facebook page.
Mickii’s altruistic commitment to bringing joy to the lives of underprivileged children is a testament to the positive impact that individuals can create within their communities. Through his thoughtful efforts, he is exemplifying the true spirit of generosity and making a lasting difference in the lives of these children.