In excess of 100 people turned up at Snuffy’s in Great Harwood to support World Down Syndrome Day. The event, organised by Accrington Lions was attended by Hollyoaks stars, 22 month Eva Lorente, who has Down Syndrome and plays toddler Minnie Blake in the soap and screen mother Nikki Sanderson who plays Maxine Blake.

The event took place on Saturday March 19^th and stallholders sold balloons, cakes, jewellery and toys from over 20 stalls to raise money for the charity. There was also an auction which included prizes such as a signed Accrington Stanley football and a shirt signed by the players. Portsmouth football team also donated prizes.

Caz Moreton who is Lions President and also Eva’s great aunt and main chaperone when filming takes place said that Nikki came out of the kindness of her heart and agreed to have pictures taken with all the stallholders. After that Nikki agreed to have her picture taken with anyone in exchange for a donation to the charity.

Eva was brought along by her parents, Alana and Paul Lorente and the event was attended by youngsters from across the region. In all, over £1,300 was raised for the Down Syndrome charity.

Caz told reporters: “Eva has a really lovely relationship with Nikki, both on and off- screen and also with Jeremy Sheffield who plays her dad on the show. It’s like having a second family.”

Caz heaped praise on the owners of Snuffy’s Bar saying:

“They were fantastic and did a great job with yellow and blue balloons everywhere, which are the colours of World Down Syndrome Day. It was one of the only events in East Lancashire and we had support on the day from the East Lancashire Down Syndrome Group.”

She said that all the money raised would go to both individuals and groups in East Lancashire who support people with the condition.

Nikki Sanderson told organisers:

“I feel very blessed that I have this wonderful relationship with ‘Eva the Diva’ who plays my daughter Minnie Blake in Hollyoaks. From the very start I have been very close to the family and I always look forward to seeing her for free cuddles and kisses”

She added:

“I am very happy to have been asked to come and support this wonderful cause.”

Eva's Mum Alana said:

“It was great to see so many people coming together to help us raise awareness and educate people on what Down Syndrome really is.

I would like to say a huge thanks to the Accrington Lions as they always put so much effort into the day. Next year we aim to make it even bigger!

Nikki has always supported us with anything we have asked in terms of awareness on social media but for her to take the time to come on the day and help means the world to us.”

Of course mention should be made to all the exhibitors who supported this worthy event and they are: Younique Cosmetics, The Body Shop at Home, Forever Living health awareness, The Kids Cooking Company, The Houston Charm Handmade Jewellery, Taylors Soaps, Busy Bugs - Mobile Crafts, Just for You - Beauty, Jewellery & Cosmetics, Mya and my makes, Bernie Face Painter & Glitter tattoos and Sara Barton - Bouncy Castle.

© Peter Jones 2016.   Pictures courtesy of Gary Britland