Thanks to Claire and John from Whizz-kidz charity, who organised a great day on Wednesday 2nd August for children, who are part-time or full-time wheelchair users.
There were lots of games, activities and challenges which helped children learn how to make greater use of their wheelchairs.
Many children became more confident when faced with ramps, kerbs and sloping paths as the day progressed. Thanks also to the siblings who enjoyed the fun and showed their skills in wheelchairs too.
Whizz-kidz will be back at Paces in the autumn to organise the Ambassador club session on Saturday 14th October. This FREE youth club for 8 to 24 year olds, with support from nursing and care assistants, will give children and young people the opportunity to have a fun day together without parents and siblings!
A huge thank you to everyone who came to our Family Fun Day & Five-a-Side Tournament at SGP Thorncliffe on Sunday 18 June.
Over £600 was raised during the day for Paces as part of our 20th anniversary celebrations.
Natalie Yarrow, funding co-ordinator at Paces, spoke about the event to congratulate everyone involved:
“It’s hard to think that, in just three short months, we managed to put together such a brilliant event.
“This event was indeed a true collaboration between SGP Thorncliffe, the Sainsbury’s Local Store in High Green, Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA, Irwin Mitchell Solicitors and Paces, all in aid of raising funds towards a Wheelspin Roundabout for the children who attend Paces School.
“Paces is a specialist centre for children and young adults with cerebral palsy, and when Paula (then Manager at the Sainsbury’s Local Store) suggested a charity football tournament, we thought “Why not?” Enter Becky at SGP, who when I put the idea to her, was on board straight away. Then we invited Sam at Sheffield FA to join our merry band, and Josh at Irwin Mitchell said yes straight away to his invitation too.
“Paces has been fundraising for over two years to install an outdoor play area for the children. The accessible equipment we need is extremely expensive, so when everyone agreed to donate the charity football tournament proceeds towards a Wheelspin roundabout, everybody at Paces was delighted and extremely appreciative.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better day for the event – the sun shone and the amazing teams turned out to play in spite of the blistering heat.
“Paces families and staff were there to enjoy the day, and our stalwart volunteers added to the day’s success; they assisted with the selling of programmes and raffle tickets, took photos, oversaw Meet Marlow the Giant Bear and much, much more.
“All that is left to say from Paces is, a massive thank you from us all, to every single person who contributed to this fantastic day, kicking off our Wheelspin Roundabout appeal by raising an amazing £640.30.”
One of those who came to the tournament summed up the feedback from those who were there: “I would like to say thanks to everyone for all their hard work in creating a fun and memorable day for all families connected with our charity.”
Children and staff at Paces School were joined by staff at Irwin Mitchell’s Sheffield office in dressing as Superheroes to mark Conductive Education Awareness Week.
On Friday (17 March), the culmination of the Week, we celebrated Conductive Education being our Super Power by dressing as some of our favourite characters – from Superman and Supergirl to Batman and Wonderwoman.
Irwin Mitchell are supporting Paces during 2017 – our 20th anniversary year – as their Charity of the Year and this was a brilliant example of their support.
A great time was had by everyone – young and old – and we were proud to be able to raise awareness of our pioneering work on Conductive Education.
