FLIPPING fun was the order of the day as Headway Swindon staged it’s first Pancake fundraiser.

Users of the charity got together at the rehabilitation centre in Dorcan to try their luck in races, bingo and an eating competition.

Laurel Simpson, fundraiser for Headway, said: “

Everyone was laughing and it was nice to get people involved and to get other companies involved to raise awareness and funds.

“For us it’s just about getting people together.

She said: “A lot of people don’t go out outside of Headway. They might just go home and then come here, so it’s nice to make friends and bring everyone closer and out of their shells, to do things that they wouldn’t normally do as well.”

She added: “It’s just a bit of fun really, it’s something easy that everyone knows about and it’s quite easy to get involved with.”

Different games were devised to enable all the users to enjoy the afternoon.

“We came up with games to suit the clients, me and Irene who runs the Tuesday sessions.

“It’s our first one so hopefully next year we can do it again and get more people involved.”

Medical device manufacturer Zimmer Biomet, which is on the same estate as Headway, also hosted a fundraiser and managed to raise £129 for the charity.”

One competitor Debi Pullen Swindon, said: “I did the pancake tossing which was fun. I didn’t win but I managed to toss the pancakes a few times in a row. It was good fun.”

Headway encouraged other businesses to put on their own Pancake Day activities and Debi is hoping that there will be a good response.

“We’re grateful for any money really,” she said. “We’ve had a lot of cake sales and things but the pancake thing is different.

“These events are important to raise awareness basically. The money is a good thing but it’s the awareness, that’s what a lot of people don’t understand.”

Gary Burbidge, from Pewsey, told the Adver: “I was the first person to make a pancake this afternoon and it went well, I’m a bit of a cook myself.

“What this event does is that it helps people with learning difficulties get back to the easy way and everyone is so friendly and cheerful to help us.

“This is about being involved with the group, that’s my favourite bit of the day.”