A lunch of sheep testicles, crickets
and pigs’ eyes, all washed down with a glass of Critter Shake, is
not usually on the menu of Gravesend’s bars and restaurants.

But for one day only, thankfully, the
not-so-tasty treats were being served up to those who braved a bush
tucker trial in aid of The Stacey Mowle Appeal.

The CoCo Lounge in High Street hosted
its own version of the I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here eating
challenge to raise money for the seven-year-old who needs
life-saving cancer treatment.

Teams of diners were sponsored to chew
and swallow delicacies such as mealworms, tripe, tongue, crocodile
and python.

Cringing and squirming was served up
by the bucket-load as they tackled the treats, supplied by butchers
J. M. Danslow, of Windmill Street, and online critter suppliers
Bush Grub.

Saturday’s event also included a
chilli-eating challenge for those with a more discerning palate,
and a children’s wellie surprise.

There was also a hair-raising moment
for North West Kent College director of estates Ian Goodwin when he
took part in a sponsored back-waxing stunt for Stacey.

Ian certainly grinned and bared it as
he was waxed by beauty therapy student Cat McArthur.

The back-wax was part of an afternoon
of styling and pampering treats organised by the trainee therapists
at the college’s Inspirations Salon on the campus in Dering Way,
Gravesend.

Lecturer Clare Upham-Sharpe said the students had to organise a charity event as part of their qualification. "The girls chose The Stacey Mowle Appeal as she is a local girl who has touched so many people’s hearts," she said.

The fundraiser was opened by Gravesham
Mayor Cllr Lyn Milner and included a raffle and stalls selling
cupcakes and jewellery.

Fundraising continues to gather pace
for the youngster from Trafalgar Road, Gravesend, who is suffering
from relapsed neuroblastoma.

She needs specialist treatment which
is neither available in the UK nor funded by the NHS and may cost
up to £500,000.

More than £30,000 has so far been
donated through Stacey’s justgiving page.

Dancers young and old went crazy for
Stacey when they performed their own version of the Harlem Shake on
Good Friday.

Harlem Shake at Fleet
Leisure, with Zoe Tutt, 7, Brooke Deane, 8, Milly Thomas, 9,
Hamide Kose, 9.

The one-hour danceathon at Fleet
Leisure in Nelson Road, Northfleet, celebrated the eccentric upper
body dance moves which became an internet sensation earlier this
year.

Meanwhile more than 100 bikers will be revving up for a ride-out across Kent and Sussex countryside this Saturday. They will be heading off from A2 Motorcycles in Singlewell Road, Gravesend, at 10am.

More details of Stacey Mowle events can be found on the Facebook page The Stacey Mowle Appeal or by emailing thestaceymowleappeal@yahoo.com

Donations can be made online or by texting STAC53 and an amount between £1 and £10 to 70070.