Hundreds of families get messy at Sandwell Valley for the NSPCC

Hundreds of families get messy at Sandwell Valley for the NSPCC

HUNDREDS of families flocked to Sandwell Valley Park to take on an enthralling obstacle course for the NSPCC.

More than 1,200 children and adults took part in the Messathon on Saturday and Sunday (July 21 and 22) – the first time the event has been staged in the Midlands.

They jumped on water slides, splattered through mud, and hurled themselves over hay bales, as well as encountering foam pits, and cargo nets as part of the thrilling 2.5km course.

Cash raised through entry fees and sponsorship is still being counted, and will go towards the NSPCC’s vital work keeping children safe from abuse and neglect across the UK.

Team England and Great Britain rhythmic gymnastics star Mimi-Isabella Cesar handed out medals to participants, while Heart West Midlands breakfast show host Ed James took part in the course.

Mimi, 23, who has competed at two Commonwealth Games, and has set her sights on representing her country in her home city of Birmingham for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, said:

“The Messathon was amazing and I’m so pleased to have been a part of it. It was brilliant to see families of all ages in their NSPCC t-shirts, having fun and raising money for such a good course.

“The younger children were so pleased when they completed the course and got a medal, and I’m just delighted to be a part of something that brought so many people together to support the important work that the NSPCC is doing across the country.”

Ed James, who hosted last year’s NSPCC Laughter Ball at the ICC, said:

“It was so much fun taking part in the Messathon. There was a great atmosphere and all the families taking part had smiles on their faces and were cheering each other on.

“Not only has this has been a fantastic event for the West Midlands, it’s raising vital funds for the huge range of work that the NSPCC does in the region and beyond for children and young people.”

NSPCC partner Lidl was on hand to make sure Messathletes had the best day possible by providing: a clean-up zone with free detergent to take home; a playzone for children under four; a tea room where people could create their own scones using a delicious range of fillings; and £200 worth of Lidl vouchers for the team who raised the most money.

Money raised from the Messathon will go towards the NSPCC’s work fighting for every childhood.

In Birmingham, Childline’s base has counsellors available around the clock for children who often have nowhere else to turn. In 2016/17, a total of 44,427 counselling sessions were delivered at the Edgbaston base to children from across the UK.

The NSPCC’s Schools Service reached more than 23,000 primary school pupils in Birmingham alone last year with its ‘Speak Out. Stay Safe’ campaign, teaching children how to keep themselves safe from abuse.

NSPCC community fundraising manager Amanda Synnott said:

“This is the first time we’ve held the Messathon in the Midlands, and it has been a huge success. We’re so grateful to everyone who took part – it looks like they all had plenty of fun while also raising some really important funds for the NSPCC.”

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