Portsmouth family throws a virtual birthday party for four-year-old

The birthday boy was due to have his party at the The Dickinson Centre, in Middle Park Way, Havant, on his birthday on Sunday, March 22.

But the event was cancelled after his brother, ten-year-old Riley, needed to self-isolate with flu symptoms in their Copnor home – but resourceful mum Sherri managed to bring everyone together today despite the national lockdown.

Using a tele-conference app Zoom, more than 28 members of Charlie’s family joined him via video link to give the birthday boy a proper party – complete with games, balloons, and party hats.

Mum Sherri said: ‘We delivered party packages to everyone joining in. So all the kids could wear party hats and put up balloons, and make it feel like everyone was part of the party.

‘Charlie loved it – he came in, and I think he was a bit shocked.’

Charlie was due to have a joint party with his cousin, Ruben Hadden-Burr, who turned four on Saturday March 21.

Sherri said her son is still a little confused as to why he couldn’t celebrate with his family in person: ‘He didn’t understand at first. We didn’t go into details about why it was cancelled. I don’t think he fully understands.

‘But the Dickinson Centre were really good and really accommodating – we got the full amount back for the booking. ‘

Charlie’s uncle, Tony Burr, said the ‘unique party’ would give the whole family something to remember.

The 50-year-old said: ‘It was definitely different. It was a unique party.

‘It’s a positive that has come out of this – something we will always remember.’

And he said it was easy for the family to use the technology: ‘It’s become easier to do. I can definitely see more people doing something like this.’

Sherri added: ‘We have family in South Africa, so we have done video calls before, but not like this.

‘It wasn’t very organised – it was very much a last-minute party, but everyone enjoyed themselves.’

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