Seventeen-year-old Sutton student Courtney Hardwick was delighted to hear that her balloon, one of 500 released on Mother’s Day at Idlewells Shopping Centre, Sutton, travelled the furthest to win her £50 cash and a £250 donation to the local charity of her choice.

The Idlewells team provided 500 free balloons for Sunday shoppers to write and attach their Mother’s Day messages before they were all released.
While her mum, Melanie, was in Specsavers, Courtney wrote a message, tied it to a balloon and released it into the Sutton sky.

Two weeks later, Idlewells manager Chloe O’Donnell received a photograph of the balloon tag from 77 year-old Arthur Rabbitt, owner of car bodyshop Rabbitt & Smith, in Kent.

Arthur found the balloon in a park near to his work while walking his dogs and was unaware that finding the balloon had a £50 reward.

Arthur was one of four people in the Kent area to report finding the Idlewells’ balloons – Courtney’s balloon had travelled the furthest at 182 miles, the was just one mile away.

Arthur donated his £50 win to the charity chosen by Courtney, saying: “I didn’t return it for the money, so please give the prize to the charity and pass on my fond wishes to the young lady who sent it.”

Courtney has nominated the Amazon Breast Cancer Support Group, which helps patients at King’s Mill Hospital, to receive the total £250 donation from Idlewells.

The group meets regularly to offer support, advice and friendship to women, and men, affected by breast cancer.

For more information on the support group, go to www.amazonsgroup.org.uk

Courtney Hardwick, left, is pictured sharing her winnings with her seven-year-old cousin, Keisha. Also pictured is Courney’s aunt, Amanda; mum, Melanie’ and Idlewells manager Chloe O’Donnell.