The Mend headline cared-for children celebration

The Mend perform at Our Big Day, a celebration of Rochdale’s cared-for children and young people

Britain’s Got Talent finalists The Mend headlined Our Big Day on Saturday 18 July, a day of celebration for Rochdale’s cared-for children and young people held at Hopwood Hall College in Middleton.

Band members Kris, Craig and Jay recognised and celebrated the achievements of around 80 cared-for children and young people who attended the day, joined by Revolution 96.2 DJ Elliot Eastwick, along with foster carers, parents and guests from Rochdale Borough Council, The Children’s Society and Link4Life.

The young people, aged two to 20 years old, had been nominated by teachers, carers, social workers and health workers for achieving something special in the past 12 months, with 10 categories including awards for ‘Outstanding Academic, Vocational Achievement,’ ‘Outstanding Personal Development and Growth’

Visitors to Our Big Day were treated to activities that included rock climbing, an inflatable adventure course, a zip wire, face painting, a dance workshop, popcorn and candyfloss, all planned with the help of the young people themselves.

The day ended in a ceremony compered by Revolution 96.2’s morning host, Elliot Eastwick, with each nominee presented with a certificate and goody bag by The Mend, who then wowed the audience with new material from their upcoming album.

Gail Hopper, Director for Children’s Services at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “It was an outstanding day – it was great to see everyone enjoying the entertainment and the boys from The Mend were sensational. Craig grew up with foster brothers and sisters and it meant a lot to our children and young people to hear about his experiences. Of course their performances were also amazing. I would also like to thank our sponsors and volunteers for their support, without whom none of this would have been possible.”