The Chairman of Haddenham Scout and Guide Association, Richard Kendall, has presented the funds raised from this year's Scarecrow Festival to two local charities.
Festival organiser Francesca Flaxton said "The total amount raised this year was £777, which is lower than the last few years, but every penny makes a difference especially to small charities, and we are very grateful for all the donations made."
The main beneficiary receiving £500 from this year's Festival, is Aylesbury-based charity Emmett's Genies. Emmett was diagnosed with cancer when he was two and a half years old and underwent months of treatment before being given "complete remission" status in 2019. Brave Emmett was eligible for a special wish and spent a magical week in Florida with his family.
Inspired by their experience, Emmett's mum Amy – who went to school in Haddenham – set up this charity to raise funds to create something similar for other children and their families in the UK. Amy's vision is to create a wish kids' village in England and the opportunity to bring joy and long-lasting memories to families and their wish kids. Emmett is now a healthy 7 year old and is a Beaver Scout.
The 2023 Scarecrow Festival also donated £277 the Hat & Boots Restoration Appeal. This is an urgent fundraising campaign to save the witchert-built Grade 2 listed Haddenham Baptist Church, which is in a state of major disrepair.
The Scarecrow Festival began in 2016 and has grown into a popular and established community event. In the last eight years has raised £14,376 for many local charities.
Pictured are Richard Kendall and Francesca Flaxton from Haddenham Scout and Guide Association, with Amy Scullard and her son Emmett O'Farrell and Ida O'Farrell from Emmett's Genies and Rev.Jonny Fillis, Minister of Haddenham Baptist Church, representing the Hat and Boots Appeal.
