12-year-old Sheffield 'prankster' takes on bubble-wrap challenge
Chris Kay, who has a degenerative neurological condition that means he’s unable to walk, discovered the additive joys of bubble-wrap popping when he was looking for something to fill the hours in lockdown.
Seeing just how much fun he was having, his foster carers Anne Reid and Catherine Mair decided to turn his new pastime into a ‘Popathon’ fundraising mission.
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Hide AdThe Sheffield couple, who have fostered over 100 children, many of whom have complex needs, are currently looking after two children who visit Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.
Chris, who goes to Seven Hills School, took part in the ‘Popathon’ at Norfolk Park’s main entrance on Sunday.
“We wanted to really give Chris something to focus on, something he can really get his teeth into,” said Anne, who’s been looking after Chris with her wife Catherine for the past two years.
“Having a degenerative condition and all the uncertainty that comes with it can be incredibly tough for him so we hope this will help build his confidence and self-esteem.
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Hide Ad“He’s such a prankster and he’s very funny so this challenge was right up his street. And it’s also a brilliant chance for him to help his family and friends who visit Bluebell Wood.”
The family have a long-standing relationship with Bluebell Wood, with the charity even helping the couple’s dream wedding become a reality last year by helping to care for foster child Sarah who needs round-the-clock care.
“We’re quite involved with the local foster carer community and several of us were going to do Bluebell Wood’s Dragon Boat race to support the life-changing charity,” said Anne.
“Unfortunately the event had to be cancelled this year so this is a fantastic and inclusive way to give something back.
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Hide Ad“Bluebell Wood is such an incredibly important place that’s there for families like ours during the hardest times of their lives, so we really want to help after what’s been such a challenging year.”
Sally Baker, Community Fundraising Manager at Bluebell Wood, said: “This is such a fantastic and fun challenge and we can’t thank Chris and his foster family enough for their amazing support.”