Balloon’s bon voyage nets £50 prize for Vale School pupil

Balloon’s bon voyage nets £50 prize for Vale School pupil Rollover image to enlarge

A grand balloon race organised by award-winning estate and letting agent, Michael Jones, to raise funds for Chestnut Tree House scaled new heights when the winning balloon was found in France. 

The day after it was released by Vale Middle School pupil, Emily Giles, the winning ticket was discovered by Monique Gireaud who returned it to Michael Jones’ Findon office to claim her prize.   Emily’s balloon had flown 475 miles on its bon voyage from Findon to Monique’s home town of Siecq, near La Rochelle, on the western coast of France. 

Emily, aged 9, couldn’t believe her luck at winning the £50 cash prize.  She said: “I’m really excited.  I haven’t decided what to spend the money on yet.  I might put it towards a Nintendo DS or maybe save it for my holiday, but I’m definitely going to write to Monique and thank her for sending the ticket back to Michael Jones.”

The grand balloon race was one of the most popular attractions of the fundraising late night shopping evening held by members of the Findon Valley Residents’ Association for the children’s hospice.   Over seventy balloons were set off by parents and children in wild and windy conditions perfect for the race.  Emily is the fourth pupil from the Vale School to win the race in the last four years. 

Commenting on the event, Rachel Goff, sales negotiator at Michael Jones said:  “We were delighted at the number of families that braved the cold and would like to thank everyone who took part.  The evening was a huge success raising the highest amount yet for Chestnut Tree House – a grand total of £1,042.71!  As a company we are a keen supporter of the hospice and are looking forward to helping St Barnabas raise vital funds by sponsoring the Fun Run again later this year.”  

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