Museum in Cornwall offers exclusive access to kids with needs

Families currently receiving care and support from Children’s Hospice South West’s Little Harbour at St Austell enjoyed a special morning making memories at the new Tunnel of Lights attraction at Charlestown’s Shipwreck Treasure Museum.

The team at the award-winning attraction provided complimentary and exclusive access to families with a child with a life limiting condition to their newly opened immersive experience.

It enabled those who attended opportunity to enjoy some quality family time together in between busy care routines, appointments and respite breaks provided at the hospice.

Alex thoroughly enjoyed the experience, his Mum, Lucie Richards said: “Alex was mesmerised by the lights and his smile says it all” Picture: Lucie Richards

Lynné Raubenheimer, Visitor Experience Manager at the Shipwreck Treasure Museum said: "The Tunnel of Lights: Arctic Adventure is a truly magical experience where visitors journey into our underground polar wonderland.

"We really wanted to share it with families who have and are enduring a really difficult time and provide them with a little escapism.

"Most importantly providing time and space to make some special memories."

The attraction is fully accessible for those in wheelchairs, making it suitable for whole families including those with limited mobility.

Read Next:

• Cornish tourist attraction handed third award this year

14-year-old Lucas from Plymouth enjoyed the experience including the snowfall on the attraction’s viewing platform overlooking Charlestown Harbour. Picture: Steven Michell

Sam Hurse, Head of Care at Little Harbour said: "The pandemic has added an extra layer of pressure onto our families who ordinarily live in extremely testing circumstances.

"Getting out of the house for fun activities was simply not possible for them due to strict shielding measures to keep their children safe; this of course has had an impact on all family members.

"We are so grateful to the Shipwreck Treasure Museum for offering this exclusive experience to our families as we know just how much they have been missing family days out and the opportunity to have fun together safely and make precious memories which will be treasured forever."

Guests at Charlestown also included bereaved parents and siblings who continue to be supported by Little Harbour since the death of their child.

Tegan-Jai, Jax, Ava-Mai and Kallie-Ella enjoy the snowfall section of the Tunnel of Lights experience. Picture: Toni Pearce

Sam continued: "At Little Harbour the support we provide doesn’t end when a child dies.

"We are currently supporting 65 bereaved families through virtual support as well as groups, activities and remembering days.

"Being able to offer our bereaved families the opportunity to visit the Tunnel of Lights has been greatly appreciated and allowed them to also make special memories together."

For more information about Children’s Hospice South West visit www.chsw.org.uk.

Learn more about the Tunnel of Lights: Arctic Adventure at www.shipwreckcharlestown.co.uk.