A selection of current appeals

Growing at Home: Horticulture for Every Child

This project will deliver Home Growing Horticultural Packages to at least 100 children across the UK who are either living with disabilities or growing up in poverty. These packages will enable children to engage directly with nature, learn about biodiversity, develop life skills, and enjoy the therapeutic and educational benefits of gardening—either in their gardens or indoors.

Children with disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds often face restricted access to green spaces and nature-based learning. Many live in flats, supported housing, or areas with limited or no garden access. They also lack the tools or resources to engage in environmental education or therapeutic horticulture at home.

Gardening is widely recognised as a therapeutic, inclusive activity that promotes emotional wellbeing, cognitive development, and physical coordination—especially important for children with learning disabilities or sensory impairments

We aim to:

1. Enable 100 children to actively participate in home gardening regardless of space or mobility.

2. Improve children’s understanding of the environment, sustainability, and biodiversity.

3. Promote physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing through contact with nature.

4. Provide sensory and therapeutic benefits to children with disabilities.

5. Encourage family bonding and healthy living through growing vegetables and plants.

Each child will receive a tailored Home Growing Horticultural Package which includes:

• Indoor or outdoor growing trays or raised beds (based on the child's home environment)

• Safe, child-friendly gardening tools and gloves

• Gardening bags/tool carriers

• Wellington boots (where required)

• A selection of seeds (flowers, herbs, and/or vegetables)

• Propagators and compost/soil bags

• Froggy Watering Can

• A ready-made terrarium jar – a low-maintenance indoor mini-ecosystem

Children will also receive an easy-to-follow illustrated guide to help them grow and care for their plants.

The total funding required for this project is £10,099. therapeutic benefits. For those from low-income families, it offers a rare opportunity to grow food, develop responsibility, and build confidence. For all, it fosters a lifelong respect for the environment and encourages curiosity about the world around them.

We are confident this initiative will make a lasting impact, giving children practical tools to grow, learn, and thrive—whatever their personal challenges.

Hydrotherapy & Physiotherapy Sessions:

We have an ever-increasing list of children waiting for Hydrotherapy and Physiotherapy sessions to help them recover from various ailments, we constantly, have over 30 children on our waiting list.

Hydrotherapy is ideal for people with disabilities who have limited mobility or movement in parts of their body, or who have undergone surgery and need rehabilitation. Hydrotherapy is also necessary for children with cerebral palsy, for its ability to improve muscle strength with freedom of movement, but not limited to children with specific conditions, it is a way of exercising with less stress on the joints, bones, and muscles as in the water the body is buoyant and does not have to support its own weight. The pool is also set to a warm temperature of around 32-34 degrees to increase circulation, relax the muscles and decreases swelling, help with muscle spasms, and reduce or remove pain, including arthritis pain.

Physiotherapists work with children and their families to identify movement and functional difficulties. They aim to help the child to manage their physical symptoms and achieve functional mobility. They assess, treat, and advise on exercises and activities which the child can do with their family and in school.

Each Hydrotherapy Session or Physio Session costs £90.00,

Our aim is to help as many of these children as possible.

To provide 6 sessions for 1 child costs £540.00, 6 sessions for 10 children costs £5,400.00.

Any help you could provide will be greatly received

Bluebell Hydrotherapy Pool

Acheeva work stations, Eyegaze Systems and Sensory Equipment for Wilson Stuart Special Educational Needs (SEN) School in Erdington

With the generous donations and grants we received in 2023/24, we were able to provide crucial equipment to Wilson Stuart Special Educational Needs (SEN) School in Erdington, Birmingham. The school's outstanding facilities and dedicated staff deliver specialised programs tailored to each pupil's needs.

On July 7th, two Trustees and I visited the school. We were profoundly moved by the passion and dedication of the staff, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for the equipment we provided. The impact of our visit was heightened when we saw students using the items we had donated. In one classroom, students performed "Let It Go" from Frozen, a touching moment that made it clear how much our support means to them.

During our tour, we learned that the school still requires more Acheeva Learning Stations, Eyegaze systems, specialised seating, sensory equipment,

We are seeking funding for 2 Acheeva learning Stations, 1 Eyegaze System, 10 Specialised seats and Multiple Sensory Equipment

Item

Acheeva Learning Stations

Eyegaze Systems

Specialised Seating Solutions

Sensory Equipment

Quantity

2

1

10

11 Items

Unit Cost (£)

£7,509.60

£7,568.63

£250.00

£6,839.00

Total

Total (£)

£15,019.20

£7,568.63

£2,500.00

£6,839.00

£31,926.83

Your support will:

Improve the learning environment for children with complex needs.

Increase the school's capacity to provide personalised care.

Foster independence and social interaction among students.

UPDATE MAY 2025

We are pleased to announce that we have raised £10,000 to date

Providing Respite & Holiday Breaks

A short break away is often key for the survival of family relationships during the roller-coaster ride of childhood illnesses, for this reason, we feel it is important to give families the quality time together that they need, away from hospitals, doctors, treatment, and stress.

Respite homes:

Our respite homes are situated at Haven's Golden Sands Holiday Park, Mablethorpe We can now provide respite breaks for between 90 and 100 families each year. The Park has amenities to suit all ages whether rain or shine, it is wheelchair friendly throughout and both are within proximity to all amenities. Our respite homes are well equipped with the following: wheelchair access ramp, hoist in main bedroom, adapted wet room, lowered work surfaces, lowered light switches and sockets, wheelchair access to each room, extra wide sliding doors, fully accessible throughout, central heating, double glazing, and external electric sockets for charging electric wheelchairs.  

The cost of running both homes this season (2025) is £22,090.00

This includes site fees and access passes so our families may use all amenities free of charge.

Holiday Home:

Our holiday home is situated at Butlins in Skegness. Owning this home also allows us to offer children and their families from underprivileged or poverty-stricken backgrounds to have a holiday they simply could not afford.

We often assist families with food, travel expenses and spending money to assist during their break.

We believe it is imperative for children in their situation to have a short holiday break away from the stress and trauma of their day-to-day living. We also firmly believe it is very important for children in these conditions have a chance to build lasting memories.

The cost of running the holiday home this season (2025) is £11,271.00

This includes site fees and access passes so families may use all amenities free of charge.

Toby Richardson

We are dedicated to supporting Toby until he turns 18 in March 2028, (at which point our charity's constitution requires us to conclude our assistance.)

Toby’s transformation from a life-changing diagnosis to becoming one of the world’s top junior wheelchair racers is truly inspiring. His goal is to represent Team GB at the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

To maintain Toby’s progress toward his dream, we are seeking funding for his costs throughout 2025.

This will cover vital training, equipment, and participation in international events, essential for his growth as an elite athlete.

Toby’s journey is not only about physical preparation but also mental resilience.

The fundung will cover daily training, travel to specialised camps, international competition participation, and necessary equipment upgrades.

These things are crucial for Toby to remain competitive and to improve his global ranking, with international exposure offering him the best opportunities to develop.

Toby's Requirements:

Enhanced Training:

Professional coaching will refine Toby’s skills, improve performance, and expand his abilities in events like Javelin, Shot Put, and Discus.

Access to elite training camps in Switzerland, Belgium, and the UK will provide top-tier coaching and competition.

Competitive Edge:Regular international camps and competitions will expose Toby to world-class athletes, challenging him to improve and stay at the forefront of his sport.

Mental & Physical Preparation:

Specialized equipment and coaching will ensure Toby is mentally and physically ready for each race, reducing injury risks and optimizing performance.

Time Sensitivity:

2025 is critical in Toby’s development as an athlete. The skills he hones now will be pivotal for his Paralympic success, making timely funding essential.

Detailed 2025 Budget:

Everyday Costs:

Fuel: £5,200.00

For travel to training and local competitions.

Personal Trainer: £3,360.00

Tailored training regimens for Toby’s needs.

Coach Fees: £600.00

Ongoing coaching essential for his development.

Athletics Membership: £25.00

Required for competition access.

Gym Membership: £420.00

Access to strength and conditioning facilities.

Total: £9,605.00

Event Costs:

Event Entry Fees: £750.00

Registration for races during the April-September season.

Switzerland Camp: £3,500.00

High-altitude training with specialized coaching.

Marcell Camp: £1,000.00

Advanced training and competition in Europe.

Belgium Camp: £2,000.00

Training with international competitors.

Monthly Coach Training: £2,400.00

Elite monthly training in Telford.

London Mini Marathon: £300.00

Key race for maintaining competitive edge.

Total: £9,950.00

One-Off Kit Costs:

Rear Tyres: £1,000.00

Front Tyres: £300.00

Helmet: £50.00

Garmin Speed O: £350.00

Rollers Cadis Sensor: £50.00

Heart Rate Sensor & Strap: £80.00

Total: £1,830

The Total Amount Required to Support Toby Throughout 2025: £21,385

With £7,500 already secured, we seek additional support to keep Toby on his path to success.

Conclusion

Your support in 2025 will not only empower Toby to compete at the highest levels but also invest in the future of a young athlete who embodies resilience and determination.

Together, we can help Toby achieve his Paralympic dream, inspiring others along the way.

Thank you for reading this. Your generosity could make a lasting impact on Toby’s journey.

** Latest **

Toby has been accepted on to the Welsh athletics performance pathway to represent Wales as part of team GB.

Toby’s decision to go with Wales is that they have offered him better support, structure and leadership compared to England.

In addition, It is also possible that on condition that Toby makes it to the next stage, which we all believe that that there is no doubt that he will, they will begin to help finace him if he gets podium in championship events.

Toby shared his great news on his Instagram.

Please follow this link to the Welsh athletics where you will find his name on the pathway

https://www.welshathletics.org/en/page/national-development-programme1

Toby now has his own website at www.tobyrichardson.uk

On behalf of Toby and his family, we thank you for all your support this year and we look forward to next season, it's going to be an amazing one!