November 2010
Young people and staff at RNIB Rushton School and Children's Home (now known as RNIB Pears Centre), were treated to a special visit from a football star recently. Coventry City Football Club defender Richard Wood visited to hand over a cheque for more than £600. The money, donated by Coventry City as part of the Football Association's Community Shield Fund scheme, will go towards Rushton's extensive redevelopment.
Due for completion in 2011, the new facilities will include purpose built bungalows, a ten-classroom school with multi-sensory environments, music rooms, therapy rooms and a water therapy suite.
As one of the club's nominated charities for last season, the Sky Blues worked with RNIB to help promote its appeal for the Rushton redevelopment project, holding a collection at the Ricoh Arena and donating signed merchandise for fundraising.
"It was fantastic...our children really enjoyed meeting a City player"
Brenda Smith, Head of Care said:
"It was fantastic that Richard took the time out to come and visit us. Our young people really enjoyed meeting a City player and I think Richard enjoyed meeting the children and staff too.
"The redevelopment of Rushton School and Children's Home is the largest capital investment ever made by RNIB and we still need to raise a substantial amount of money to help fund our transformation.
"We are really appreciative of the support Coventry City Football Club and the Sky Blues fans have shown us over the last twelve months and we are looking forward to inviting the staff and players down to see the new buildings once they are completed."
How you can help
For more information on how you can help, visit Support Rushton.