Elliot on Safari

With Friends at Suffolk Wildlife

On 17th July East Coast Truckers took 84 disabled or otherwise disadvantaged children to Suffolk Wildlife Park. Richards Coaches and 3 lorry tractor units provided transport.

The truck provided by Paul Arthurton Transport was particularly important, as it had been sign written "Fighting Spirit Elliot". This was because last week was Elliot Furlong’s birthday. This little boy has figured in previous Truckers’ events and, as it was his birthday last week, it was decided to give him a special day out along with the other children.

Elliot's Mum & Dad figured in ITV’s Paul O’Grady show some months ago and his parents, Sam & Carl have become great supporters of East Coast Truckers.

Instead of receiving birthday presents from friends and relatives, Elliot and his parents suggest a gift of cash, which was pledged to the Truckers' Charity. £155.40 was raised.

27 pupils from Parkside School, Norwich were part of the group accompanied by their head teacher Barry Payne.

The weather for the whole day couldn’t have been better and the children enjoyed the spectacle of the wild animals of all shapes and sizes, a fun-filled entertainment hour and a tea-party provided by the Truckers’ volunteer catering team who are based on Cobholm Community Centre, Gt. Yarmouth.

Before returning to Norwich at the end of the afternoon, other presentations were made. These were cheques to the Truckers of £600 from Halvergate Fete fundraising and £530 from Cobholm Community Centre where a fete was held recently.

The day, which was very successful, is becoming a regular summer outing organised by East Coast Truckers for the benefit of less fortunate children. And it was a very special day for young Elliot.