1,300 mile relay
Staff from British Gas have completed a 1,300 mile relay across the UK aiming to raise £15,000 for disabled children at RNIB Rushton School and Children's Home in Coventry.
Walking the length of the country in small groups since the 5th July they have covered the length of the country, calling at Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester, Cardiff, Staines, Southampton and finally Land's End. Money is still being donated online and when they reach their £15,000 target they will pay for a garden at RNIB Rushton School and Children's Home. The School provides specialist education, therapies and healthcare for young people with sight loss and complex needs.
"It's been a hard slog"
Tom Hart, British Gas manager and coordinator of the event said: "It's been a hard slog for everyone involved, there have been laughter and tears, but after visiting RNIB Rushton School and Children's Home and meeting all of the young people, it's been worth every step. We've overcome this one challenge, but the young people at Rushton School and Children's Home overcome huge challenges every day and smile through everything. We're very proud to be providing them with the tools to learn about the world through experience."
Garden for children with disabilities
Sharon Woodhams, Regional Fundraiser for RNIB said: "We can't believe how well the team at British Gas has done. The young people are so excited about their new garden. It's going to enable all of them to experience and learn about nature on a daily basis, something they might never have been able to do before."
ENDS
For more media information contact Jess Sweetman, RNIB Press Office 020 7391 2081. Out of hours mobile 07968 482812.
Photographs will be available from: jessica.sweetman@rnib.org.uk
Notes to editors:
1. RNIB is currently embarking upon one of its most ambitious projects to date. The current site of RNIB Rushton School and Children's Home is being redeveloped and will be replaced with a state-of-the-art facility for young people with multiple disabilities, complex health needs and sight loss.
The main phase of redevelopment is due for completion in 2011 and will be a purpose-built facility, fully accessible for young people with complex needs and sight loss. RNIB Rushton School and Children's Home is open now and there will be a phased transition to the new facilities. As well as education, it offers year-round residential care and a wide range of therapies and health support such as music therapy, physiotherapy, speech and language support and a hydrotherapy pool. Our aim is to create a provision that others will emulate.
For more information visit www.rnib.org.uk/rushton
2. Every day around 100 people in the UK will start to lose their sight. There are 1.8 million people in the UK with sight problems. RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk