A CLUB helping children to come to terms with burn trauma and altered body image has won the top award of £3,000 from Adventure Island’s latest charity initiative.

As the fun park continues to celebrate its fortieth anniversary, eight more Essex charities have benefited from its generous ‘£40k to 40’ initiative.

Following its launch back in June - to mark the world famous park’s 40th year of welcoming and delighting visitors to Southend seafront - Adventure Island’s ‘£40k to 40’ scheme has seen thousands of customers voting for their favourite charities with a monthly total of £8,000 shared between eight, Essex-based good causes.

£16,000 has been awarded so far and now August’s lucky organisations have been revealed – taking the current total up to £24,000.

The Children’s Burns Club, based in Chelmsford, took the top award of £3,000.

The club supports young burn survivors and their families by helping them come to terms with their injuries and altered body image.

Another Chelmsford organisation, Families in Focus, is set to receive £2,000 to support its work with families of children with special needs and disabilities across the county.

Other organisations to benefit from the donations include Thorpe Bay’s Tram Stop Shelter charity, the Lady McAdden Breast Screening Trust of Westcliff, Kids Inspire of Chelmsford, the Westcliff branch of the Royal British Legion, Brighter Opportunities Through Supported Play (BOSP) of Brentwood, Basildon and Billericay, and Equal People Performing Arts, of Rayleigh.

Andrew Renton, Adventure Island’s Operations Director, said: “It has been an exciting process since we started ‘£40k to 40’ in the summer.

"We’ve been overwhelmed by the response from charities, clubs and groups across the county and it is humbling to learn about the amazing work they do.

“Our August cash awards highlight how people the length and breadth of Essex are helping one another in a variety of brilliant and inspiring ways.”

Voting is now open for September and the penultimate pot of £8,000.

The eight charities that Adventure Island visitors can vote for are:

• J’s Hospice (Great Baddow)

• The Art Ministry (Hadleigh)

• Habbit Factory (Hornchurch)

• Southend Coastwatch

• The Abbeyfield Southend Society

• Duffers Table Tennis Club (Leigh on Sea)

• Southend Sunflower Trust