Grandparents of children Camp Simcha supports were treated to a fun day by the charity to mark National Grandparents Day this month.

Attendees were given the chance to experience some of the activities their grandchildren enjoy at typical Camp Simcha events.

Magician Sacha Johnstone performed for the guests, who also took part in build-a-bear and pottery painting activities – with the final creations going to their grandchildren.

Camp Simcha chief executive Neville Goldschneider said: “This event brought two different benefits to the grandparents of the children we support – because they suffer twice, seeing their grandchild but also their child having to cope with it all. We wanted to give them that access to other grandparents in the same position.

“They also got to experience some of the fun of Camp Simcha with activities their children and grandchildren might do at our parties and retreats.”

Anna Churnin, whose family have been supported by Camp Simcha since her granddaughter Chloe underwent lifesaving surgery at just eight days old in December 2020, said the event was “absolutely delightful”.

“It was a joy and a privilege to attend and hear about the wider scope of Camp Simcha and to have acknowledged the impact that a child’s illness had on the grandparents as we see our children hurt and in need.”

It was also a good opportunity to meet other grandparents in a similar position, she said. “Although all our stories are different we share a bond and as they say ‘it’s good to talk’.”