Jamie’s park officially opened

OFFICIALLY open...Kenny Heaton and local youngsters run through the ribbon

THREE years of hard work and determination has paid off for dedicated volunteers with the official opening of the Jamie Heaton memorial park.

The new play area, at Bullcote Park in Royton, is a tribute to the toddler, who died in the Shaw gas blast in June 2012.

Following his death, the charity Jamie’s Something Special was started to raise money for a new play area in the park in which he took his first steps. The group raised £37,000, lifted to £45,000 with a council donation.

Jamie’s dad Kenny Heaton, whose wife Michelle is expecting a baby boy in October, said: “This is what we have been working for all this time so to see children playing on it is overwhelming. It’s very emotional for us. Now the park is open, it’s time for people to come and use it and enjoy it.”

Hundreds of people turned up to watch the opening ceremony.

The fundraisers say they will continue to organise a yearly fun day, with money raised going to local children’s charities.