Wick children set for Children In Need stardom

Youngsters at the Launch Pad Breakfast Club, based at the Wickbourne Centre, in Clun Road, spent the morning with Zoe and her camera crew, filming a feature for this year’s Children in Need event.

And tonight (Friday, November 18) children at the club, which is run by Arun Community Church, will appear in BBC One’s coverage of the fund-raising extravaganza.

The team of researchers, producers and camera crew from the BBC visited Launch Pad a few weeks ago, along with Zoe, who spent time chatting with the children over breakfast.

Speaking during her visit, Zoe said: “These are simply fantastic children and it’s great that they have somewhere that gives them such a positive start to their day.”

The children also found the filming a positive experience and really enjoyed hosting a celebrity for the morning.

In a thank you-letter to Zoe, Launch Pad member Erin Stoddard wrote: “Thank you for coming here. I had a super time. I miss you already and hope you can come back again.”

Launch Pad is a free breakfast club for up to 30 children each day and has been partially-funded by BBC Children in Need since September last year.

Club leader Zoe Parvin said: “They interviewed the staff, children and parents about the difference that the club makes to their lives.

“It was really touching to hear how much people appreciate what we do, and encouraging to know that we are supported by a national initiative.”

Every penny raised or donated through the often wacky antics of celebrities and people in communities across the UK for Children in Need goes towards helping disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.

Launch Pad was one of only a few projects selected to be filmed for this year’s event.

The club accepts children on a referral basis for a healthy breakfast that includes cereals, toast and fresh fruit.

For more information about the club and its services call, 01903 782744.