The Borehamwood Times has launched an appeal to raise £4,000 to open the new Funky Friendz youth club for children aged seven to 12-years-old in September. Here are the mothers who are making that project happen...

Georgina Whorlow
Mother to Mathew, two, and Calen, five months, and married to Mathew

Nurse

Borehamwood Times:

I always remember going to clubs when growing up in Borehamwood and want the same for my sons when they are older.
At the moment Borehamwood is expanding, meaning there are more children – but there are limited things to do. I just want my children to have memories to grow old with too, like I did.

Anna Coleshill
Mother to boys aged three, six and one
Law student

Borehamwood Times:

Growing up, I remember being able to play outside on my own and with friends. I also went to local youth clubs such as The Lair.
But it seems these days it is not deemed safe for children to play outside, enjoy nature and the world around them.
When I saw Kelly’s Facebook post regarding the club I knew I wanted to be involved. I am recovering from a severe illness and it’s helped build my confidence while providing a safer place for children to play.

Sara Colson
Mum to girls aged seven and nine
Teaching assistant

Borehamwood Times:

When I grew up in Borehamwood, I remember sitting in my mum’s front gardens making daisy chains, perfume out of flowers and having water fights with my neighbours.
As I got older I hung out at The Lair where we had a tuck shop, could learn to skate, hang out in the playground and make up dances. We didn’t roam the streets and we joined the youth council.
I was the victim of youth crime last year and I feel that if those children had somewhere to go and do the things they love, this might not have happened.

Michelle Jonas, 35
Full time mum to Paige, 14, Sandi, 11, and Ellie, eight
FunkyFriendz chairman

My hobbies are going swimming, singing and dancing. I am very passionate about Funky Friendz as there is nothing in Borehamwood for the younger children. It will help them make new friends. It could also make the transition from primary to secondary school less scary. A lot of children hang around in parks or get up to mischief because they are bored and there’s nothing to do. I can't wait to get the group up and running - it's going to be fantastic. And the goes to show we can all pull together when we need to.

Kelly Kent, 47
Mother to Hannah, 27, Daniel, 26, and Carly, 24. Grandmother to Gracie, nine, Bobby, seven, Terry, three and Olivia-Grace, one
Deputy manager of children’s home for sexually exploited teenagers

Borehamwood Times:

I come from a huge travelling family and I am one of five siblings. My youth was spent playing outdoor games with friends with no mobile phones. Our parents got together and built a youth group bit by bit and even us children were involved. We spent ages getting ready on a Friday and played pool, listened to music and chilled. It made us trust and respect adults.