Lucy Henderson posted a picture of her daughter Sierra on our facebook page located within the ‘Love Heart Bench’ with not only a gleaming smile but ideas that could be implemented within the centre and allow the community of Middleton to have fun and enjoyment.

When the Marketing Team at ‘Mayninteen’ put these ideas to Lee Ellis, Centre Manager, there was one that stood out to him; it was the ancient game played all around the globe known in the UK as Hopscotch.

Sierra who is known in our community as ‘Middleton Mermaid’ has been on a such a challenging journey when she was diagnosed with cancer in March 2023. Her mum Lucy who had to share the most heartbreaking news to her daughter, initially stated she had a bug in her tummy which Sierra really didn’t take on board. Then Lucy came up with in her words a mermazing idea and shared with Sierra that “you’re going to become a mermaid”. Literally her eyes lit up with excitement, each hospital visit/chemotherapy session was what was needed to enable Sierra to become a mermaid. Each visit to the hospital she would gain mermaid superpowers enabling her to get through the tests. Sierra will be in remission one year next month at which time she will celebrate her 5th birthday with her family and friends.

The hopscotch design would feature images of all the community areas located around the centre. Cheryl Cunniff, Operations Manager suggested we add in an image of a mermaid to celebrate and thank our very brave ‘Middleton Mermaid’ Sierra for her idea, which combines physical activity with simple rules. On 23rd October with a hop skip and jump, Sierra opened the Hopscotch, delighted to see her idea come to life. You could hear laughter all around as she grasped the centre team, visitors passing by and even four legged friends to get involved.

We have located a suggestion box near the centre management office on the first floor, please pop your ideas for us to review and implement if viable. We also hope as you pass our hopscotch, you will have a hop, skip one square at a time, one foot, then two don’t step on the line………… (Located near Bobo Panda on the ground floor).