<p>Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.</p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In the 1970&rsquo;s my father was very involved in fundraising and the charity with which he was particularly involved (and which was his favourite) with was the Liverpool Royal School for the Blind.</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">When dad was concerned with the Liverpool Royal School for the Blind, (it seemed to entail him attending dinners with various sportsmen and being photographed with every Miss World from 1970 &ndash; 1978), the school was primarily for visually impaired children providing education and training for 5 to 19 year olds.</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Times have changed however, and the school, which is a non maintained special school and a totally independent charity, now caters for up to 66 children ranging in age from 2 &ndash; 19 years with not only visual impairment but who also have significant special educational needs from moderate to profound including multi-sensory impairment, physical or behavioural disabilities.</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The school provides its pupils, some of whom are weekly boarders from all over the country, with the skills, knowledge and aptitudes they can use to lead, as far as possible, an independent life within their own homes and community. </span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Recently the school was determined by OFSTED to be &ldquo;outstanding in all areas&rdquo;. Liverpool Royal School for the Blind is an internationally recognised centre of excellence and specialist teachers have come from as far away as Russia to visit the school and learn from the staff how they work with the children. Mr Joe Byrne, head teacher of the school, was awarded the OBE for his contribution to education</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I have spoken to Joe, and he would love to provide the children with a very special garden. For the children who are able, the staff want to teach them how to grow vegetables and flowers, and for those who are less able, a sensory garden with perfumed, prickly and strong tasting edible plants and herbs will enhance their enjoyment and meaning of the garden.</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Many of the children use wheelchairs therefore the garden will have to be accessible, have raised beds and, most importantly, be stocked with plants.</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">If you are thinking of buying me a birthday present (and you haven&rsquo;t bought it!) I would be very grateful if instead you would make a donation to the Liverpool Royal School for the Blind.</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">It would be fantastic if we could provide the children with the garden that will enrich not only their education but also their lives.</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Thanks everyone</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Greg</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>