A MASS of balloons that would make the 1980s pop icon Nena proud were set free into the bright blue sky to promote a Hastingwood charity which provides special trips for disabled children.
The difference between the German singer's 1984 number one hit, 99 Red Balloons and last week's event was that 250 pink rubber bubbles were released, marking the launch of Share the Care week.
Michelle Jephcott, Shared Care co-ordinator at Accuro, the charity which provides trips for children with special needs, said: "It was a lovely sight and some of the children were quite excited to see so many balloons being released at one time."
Shared Care is free to all children with a disability who are a resident in West Essex and assessed as needing the service by Essex County Councils local Children with Disabilities team.
Staff at Accuro were joined by children from Harlow Fields School for the event on Monday.
Each balloon was allocated to a pupil or a child and family member supported by Accuro's Shared Care scheme and there a gift voucher prize is on offer for the finder and 'owner' of the balloon which travels the furthest.
Mrs Jephcott added: "We have been very optimistic and also added instructions in French and German to each balloon on what to do should the balloons be found.
"Hopefully the wind was blowing in the right direction and we get a good response."
As part of the week, an open drop-in networking lunch is being held at Accuro's offices, in Hastingwood Road, between noon and 2pm today (Wednesday).
It is open to local residents and businesses, parents, carers and anyone who would like to find out more about the charity's work.
Mrs Jephcott said: "This is an annual event to raise awareness and the profile of short breaks and shared care.
"We hope to encourage people to come forward and consider becoming a Shared Carer to children and young people with a disability.
"We also want to celebrate the wonderful work of our Shared Carers in Essex."
For more information on the charity visit www.accuro.org.uk
