Here's how YOU can support Wicksteed Park

Wicksteed Park is appealing for donations following the sad news that its operating company has gone into administration.

The park is owned by Wicksteed Charitable Trust but is run by a subsidiary company, Wicksteed Park Limited, which has gone under with the loss of 115 jobs.

In a statement explaining the situation, Wicksteed Charitable Trust appealed to the public to donate to a fundraiser to save the UK's oldest theme park which will celebrate its 100th birthday next year.

Oliver Wicksteed, chairman of the trust, said: "We have been overwhelmed by messages of support received from people across the country during the current crisis and would like to thank people for their continued backing and loyalty.

"But ultimately, Wicksteed Park is a private park which costs a great deal of money to maintain if we are to continue to open for people to use free of charge, as we have for the last 99 years."

Wicksteed Park has a JustGiving page which you can donate to here.

There has been a flood of donations since Wicksteed Park Limited's administration news broke tonight. Donations have been accompanied by messages with many people expressing how sad they were to hear the news.

One wrote: "I'd like to think this money would have been what I'd have spent at Easter. Love Wicksteeds. Please keep going and get to 100 years old next year."

Another said: "Terrible news today and such a tragedy after all the improvements the park has made these last few years. I hope I can continue to bring my grandchildren to the park in the coming years."

Wicksteed Park has been loved by many generations and one donor said: "So sad to hear this. Four generations of our family have been coming here from Sunday school trips for the great grandparents to recent family outings. A special place, I hope it can continue."

In the park's statement, Mr Wicksteed added: "The Trust receives no regular external financial support or public funding unlike other national or council owned parks, but still makes a contribution to the local economy of at least £11million each year.

"We now need people, not least the Government, to recognise all we have done for the many millions of people who need our park and our work supporting the community.

"The sacrifices that people are having to make during the current crisis are extraordinary and in some ways Wicksteed Park and its future are nowhere near the top of people’s priorities, as they become ill, lose loved-ones and struggle to make ends meet financially.

"But millions of people across the country and generations of families love Wicksteed Park and have scores of happy memories made here.

"It is a touchstone in their lives and a representation of the fun times they have had - and when the country comes out of the other side of this crisis, as it inevitably will, it will be one of the places that people will want to return to as a sign that normality has returned."