Easter celebrations raised more than £500 for a disabled children's charity.

The raise the rabbit competition in Braintree's George Yard shopping centre was slightly hampered by the windy weather but the fundraising event still managed to raise £550 for the centre's charity of the year, Play And Resource Centre (Parc).

The charity is raising money to help build a specially-designed centre for disabled children in Black Notley.

Once finished, it will provide special play equipment, a sensory room as well as providing play sessions to help disabled children have fun.

Also taking part in the day's event was Marco the clown, a regular visitor to the centre and everyone was given a mini-chocolate Easter bunny on a stick.

Olympic paraplegic runner, Lloyd Upsdell, was on hand to collect the funds for Parc and there were plenty of prizes in the raffle, including the top prize of a DVD player.

George Yard centre manager, Brenda Baker, organised the fundraising event where shoppers tied balloons to a giant fluffy rabbit.

She explained that although the wind helped raise the rabbit sooner than expected, everyone had a marvellous time

Published Thursday, April 24, 2003

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