A heady mix of nerves and excitement filled County Hall's car park as 650 children in care prepared to tackle some of the UK's biggest rollercoasters on a free trip to Alton Towers.
Organised by Terry Galloway, who was once a child in care himself, the excursion took four months of planning, the cooperation of eight local authorities and more than £300,000 worth of donations and goodwill.
In and out of care in Manchester until the age of 16, Terry has now lived in Nottinghamshire for 15 years.
The 43-year-old said: "When you are in care you feel isolated, you feel alone. It's hard being away from your mum and wanting to be with your mum and not being able to. This just gives them a little sense of family and community."
He added: "When they are in the convoy and they see Alton Towers coming into view, their faces will light up."
Ten coaches in total left Nottinghamshire County Council's headquarters on Saturday, September 28, with more than a little apprehension from some of the children in care and care leavers.
Care leaver, Courtney Handley pledged to "face her fears" on arrival at the theme park in Staffordshire.
The 18-year-old, of Sneinton, said: I've never been to Alton Towers. I am nervous. I'm not much of a rollercoaster person but I am going to face my fears and through myself into today."
Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council, Rutland County Council, and Northamptonshire County Council have all been involved in the trip.
Charity Merlin's Magic Wand donated hundreds of free tickets for the event to take place.
Tesco is providing the food for the day, with volunteers from Guru Nanak’s Mission, Tesco Beeston and Tesco Toton helping to make the packed lunches for the whole convoy the day before.
Nottinghamshire County Council leader Kay Cutts added: "The county council is very pleased to be able to facilitate this through the marvellous Terry Galloway."
Get the most important news straight in your inbox before 9am every day - sign up to Nottinghamshire Live's newsletter. No complicated forms to fill out, just enter your email address in the black box at the top of this page.
