MIX56 & CAFT Launch Easter Egg Appeal

Cheshire’s Mix 56 loves a good catch-up, and this one’s got it all: happy kids on the farm, a cheeky pig with a wagging tail, and a call to action that’ll put smiles on thousands of faces.

Paul & Ian welcomed Helen from our partner charity CAFT – the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust – into the studio, and it was pure Mix 56 warmth from the off.

Half-Term Buzz at the Farm

“How are things at the Children’s Adventure Farm?” Paul kicked off, and Helen didn’t miss a beat: “Great – it’s just so much fun.”

It’s half-term week, so the farm’s alive with families – not just the usual school groups, but mums, dads, siblings all piling in together. Helen explained what makes this time special: you get those proper individual stories, time to chat with parents and brothers and sisters too.

And she made a vital point – when a child has additional needs, it shapes their siblings’ lives just as much. CAFT makes sure the whole family feels seen and supported. The kids? Having a fabulous time.

Truffle: The Friendliest Pig Around

No CAFT chat’s complete without Truffle the pig, and Paul was straight in: “Best friend Truffle – how’s she doing?”

Helen lit up: “She’s really, really good. Still on the diet, but her tail’s always wagging.” She’s been treating Truffle to slightly past-its-best fruit and veg from home – “she very much enjoys that as a little snack.” Described as “the friendliest pig I’ve ever met,” she’s a proper CAFT legend.

Paul reminisced about Christmas filming: Truffle was shy, hiding in her hut, so they poked the camera in – and got a wave. Helen laughed: “If you had some food, you’d be out like a shot.” Classic Truffle.

Easter Egg Appeal 2026: Time to Build the Mountain

But the real reason for Helen’s visit? Launching the CAFT Easter Egg Appeal 2026. Paul reminded listeners of their Christmas chocolate box support – “it drives our team crazy walking past that huge box every morning” – and noted Easter’s early this year: Sunday 5 April.

For most, Easter’s one day. At CAFT, it’s three weeks of visits, with a target of 3,240 children coming through the gates. The goal: every kid leaves with a sweet treat from the Easter Bunny – a little memory, a big smile. Helen put out the call: “The Easter Bunny needs everyone’s help to collect these Easter eggs.”

Paul jumped in: “Let’s build a mountain of Easter eggs – start today! Drop them at 15B The Cross here in Lymm. Every egg puts a smile on a child’s face.” Helen set the deadline: 16 March, so they can sort everything in time. “If people could get them over ahead of that, it would be amazing.”

Why Your Egg Matters

Grab an extra Easter egg next shop – that’s it. One small act means a child facing illness, disability or tough times (and their siblings tagging along) gets something special to take home.

It’s not “just chocolate” – it’s proof someone’s thinking of them, cheering them on.

Paul and Helen nailed that Mix 56 vibe: chatty, heartfelt, straight-talking. Swing by 15B The Cross, Lymm, before 16 March.

Help CAFT and a very busy Easter Bunny make spring unforgettable for 3,240 kids. Who’s in?

(Audio file to follow)