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Dartford fire station organise community fun day to raise money for watch manager Dave Boakes' daughter Ellie

15:25, 26 July 2017

updated: 15:27, 26 July 2017

Firefighters are putting on a community fun day to raise money in aid of a colleague’s daughter.

Ellie Boakes, 23, is the daughter of Dartford station watch manager Dave Boakes and requires daily physiotherapy costing up to £60 per session after suffering from a stroke.

It came during a routine operation to remove her right temporal lobe, which had been arranged after medication failed to effectively combat seizures she had been enduring all her life.

Her father’s friends and co-workers at the fire station in Watling Street have now decided to do something to help pay the medical bills, while at the same time bringing people together for a grand day out at the local football ground.

Ellie Boakes and dad Dave, Dartford fire station manager
Ellie Boakes and dad Dave, Dartford fire station manager

On Friday, September 1, Princes Park will host games and activities such as face painting and a bouncy castle for children, plus ice cream and burger stalls, five-a-side football, and a fire engine for youngsters to explore and take photos with.

From 5pm there will be live music and an open bar for the adults to enjoy.

The station’s crew manager, Richard Emery, said: “Dave has served the community and people of Kent and Medway for over 20 years.

“He’s put his life on the line to help save others and we’re hoping people will want to help by supporting our fundraising fun day.

“We wanted to do something the whole family, including the children, can enjoy.

“Please support us by buying tickets and coming along on the day.

“We’d also love to hear from anyone wanting to make a donation or who is able to provide a raffle prize.

“All the money raised will be used to help Ellie continue her physio. She has been working so hard and this would mean such a lot to her.”

Tickets are £10 each and are available from the fire station, or by dropping an email to elliefund2017@gmail.com, and under-16s go free.

Extra donations will also be greatly appreciated.

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