Young people with additional needs enjoy the annual Lions Fun Day at Hunstanton's Rainbow Park
“This time last year I wouldn’t have thought this was possible,” says Luke, who’s here with his 10 year old son.
I met Eli at the event in 2025, when his dad says he was ‘having a full blown meltdown’. But today he’s happily on one of the rides with his mum Kerry.
His dad is clearly emotional when I ask how wonderful is it to see, saying, “It’s more than words could actually put together.”
Eli with mum Kerry
For more than 20 years Hunstanton Lions Club, in collaboration with the Rainbow Park fairground, have been putting on the fun day - specifically for local children with additional needs.
Today more than 70 pupils are here from Churchill Park Academy in King’s Lynn, along with their families, teachers and carers.
President of the club, Jane Scott, gets emotional as she says, “For me this is the highlight of our year - every year.
“This is our one event that I absolutely love. Just to see the children, when they get off that bus, and their smiling faces."
Jane Scott (second from left) along with volunteers from the club. The Mayor of Hunstanton, Mark Williamson, also in attendance (centre)
I chat to 11 year old Teddy before he goes on the carousel, “It’s good, I like all of the rides, my most favourite one is the fun house.” I ask if it’s nice to be out with his mum, he smiles and says yes.
Mum Ellie adds, “It’s always nice, it’s something that they look forward to. And Teddy is just happy.
“And this year it’s nice to see him interact with his friend, because normally he’ll just stay with me. Seeing him progress as the years go on, it is amazing.”
Teddy (right) with friend Eliza-Jade
Assistant headteacher Jade Collinge Long tells me, “We’re really lucky to be invited every year, our children and parents adore it.
"It’s not easy for some parents whose children have complex needs to come together, and I can’t put into words how beneficial it is for the children.
"A little boy ran up to me all excited and said, "we’re here again!" The first year he came he really struggled, the second year he tried more things, and then this year he’s like yes - we are here again.”
9 year old Freddie with his dad Del
Lunch is provided by Vegas Fish Bar, where I'm greeted by owner Joe - he's been busy since 8 prepping with his team.
He stops for a moment to say, "It’s nice to give something back and I like to see the smile on their faces, that’s the main thing.”
Jo, Vegas Fish Bar
As I leave the park I see a lot of happy faces - a testament to all those involved.
Assistant headteacher Jade says there can be tears when the children have to go, adding, "But it does end nicely with fish and chips."
A great way to end a brilliant day out.
Images Ian Burt