Tankerton FC visit to Demelza

Tankerton FC Chairman Andy Davidson, along with Samuel Thorne’s mum Linda, present a cheque for £400 to Demelza.

Back in July, Tankerton FC asked for support for a local youngster, Samuel Thorne, who was suffering with a rare condition that threatened his life; the response we received was outstanding.

Samuel's dream was to see Michael McIntyre, whom he idolised, perform live. With the outstanding generous response to our plea, Tankerton FC were able to purchase 4 tickets for Samuel and his family to fulfil his dream.

Sadly Samuel passed away on the morning of the 2nd September.

Understandably the family felt it was too hard to go without Samuel and asked that the tickets be sold and the money donated to Demelza House Charity. The family said "Demelza House cared for Sam in his last days and also looked after the family; it's a fantastic charity".

The club raised £400 from the sale of these tickets plus further generous donations. Andy took Linda to Demelza to present the cheque and to take a look around the fantastic facility.

Left – right - Zoe Workman - Claire Battersby - Linda Thorne (Samuel’s mum)

Music Room - The music room offers such great help to children and their families. Siblings also benefit from this greatly, mixing with other children going through similar situations. Demelza have a music therapist to help the children with senses and playing music whenever possible.

Sensory Room - Appealing to the senses of children with partial sight, with a heated ball pit, water bed and visual stimulation, this helps children and families relax.

Art Room - Again great support for siblings as well as children at the hospice; something very much enjoyed.

Soft Play Room - No picture as children were playing and enjoying the room. Full of soft play walls, large balls etc. The Kent FA donated money to improve this room.

Outside play area

Teenage zone - An area away from the younger children where friends can join them and hang out. They can make popcorn, watch movies, play table football etc.

Hydrotherapy pool - Helps with muscle and relaxation for children and families.

The Hop Garden - An amazing, peaceful place where families can make memories and spend time to grieve with their loved ones who have just passed. Linda and Samuel’s family found this facility amazing and such a help in dealing with Samuel’s passing.

It takes 10.5 million pounds a year to run Demelza. Could you help this fantastic charity in some way?

Tankerton FC Chairman, Andy Davidson said, “We have all heard of the good work that Demelza does, but visiting today has really emphasised how vital their work truly is. Linda told me today that Samuel’s family could not have coped through such a heartbreaking time without the fantastic support of Demelza”.