Dismay at vandalism of children's charity banner

The 12-metre by three-metre banner at Manvers Lake could be beyond repair after being daubed with graffiti.

The banner, for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, advertised the children’s hospice’s upcoming fundraisers.

These include next weekend’s Colour Dash at Rother Valley Country Park and the Dragon Boat race at Manvers Lake in August.

Bluebell Wood head of communications Maddy Oldale said: “Our banners are vital for helping us promote our events so that people across the region can help raise funds for families facing the toughest of times.

“We are obviously dismayed that anyone would choose to vandalise anything, let alone a charity banner that’s there to support children and young adults in incredibly difficult circumstances.

“This banner had been funded by two of our fantastic corporate supporters, Capita and Manvers Lake and Dearne Valley Trust, who we know share our disappointment that this has happened. 

“We work hard to make sure every penny donated is put to the best possible use for our families, and we will need to think carefully about whether it will be good use of our supporters’ amazing fundraising work to produce another banner.”

Capita team manager Ellen Quinn said: “We are very disappointed that someone has defaced the much-loved banner. 

“We have had two people attempting to remove the graffiti all afternoon with no joy.

“We are now working with the team at Manvers Lake to look at other ways to remove the vandalism. 

“We are confident this will be done and this will not dampen spirits or our enthusiasm for the Dragon Boat race on August 11.”