"THE reason we're here is because of you – and your help is the only thing that keeps us going."
These were the words of Brian Marsh, chairman of the trustees of the Humberston Park Special School Hydrotherapy Pool as he received a donation for £2,700 from the Humberston Happening.
Mr Marsh explained how valuable the facility is to the severely disabled children who use it and told them that it costs £30k to £40k a year to run – but they have been refused funding by both the National Lottery and Children In Need.
However, he added that the community raised the £750,000 – which took 15 years – needed to build the pool, which opened in 2007, and donations from local people have helped support it ever since.
Humberston Happenings was set up in 1998 to raise money for local causes in the village and their biggest annual event is The Last Night Of The Proms, which they held in aid of the pool for the fifth time in November last year.
Chairman Enid Gray said: "We are entirely devoted to improving Humberston and this is such a needy cause that we are very pleased to be able to help."
More than 500 people went to Thorpe Park – after it outgrew the former venue, Lucarly's – to see the Lincolnshire Hospitals Band.
And, as is customary, members of the audience, who paid £5 a ticket, were asked to make a donation to the band as they left if they had a good time and it was offered to the band – who played for free.
But when they realised there was more than £500 in the buckets, they wouldn't accept.
Lincolnshire Hospitals Band secretary Peter Vause said: "We were just glad that people enjoyed it enough to donate so much from their own pockets, having already bought a ticket."
This year's concert takes place on Saturday, November 23, at Thorpe Park. Tickets cost £5 and you can get them at Cleethorpes Library Tourist Information – or call Trevor Grayson, Humberston Happenings vice-chairman, on 01472 812543 to find out more.
Call Mr Marsh on 01652 632172 if you would like to help the Hydrotherapy Pool.
ON THE WEB: Visit www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk for links to stories about the proms and the pool.
