Friends of Bright Eyes is competing in the annual Al-Noor Dragon Boat Race on the 8th of July 2023. Dragon boat racing is a forward-facing rowing competition with teams 16 rowers racing 250metre lengths at a time.The funds raised will pay towards the purchase of an accessible minibus which is vital in ensuring children can access the support they need. Transport is one of the biggest barriers for families when looking for support, we ensure that no family in Luton is excluded regardless of their location by offering an accessible transport service, complete with a wheelchair ramp and passenger assistant.100% of donations raised go towards supporting the charities objectives to provide accessible transport.

There is a heaviness that comes with parenting a child with special needs, it is a longing for what they long for - to belong.

I wish I could truly convey how hard it is for children and their families who have special needs that have to work every single day to be in this world.

While most skills come naturally to us, talking, playing, eating, etc, they have to learn and try and fail and try more. The exhaustion of being directed & re-directed, pushed & pulled throughout the day is testing. 

That is why so many parents are so thankful for charities like Friends of Bright Eyes (FOBE) that are set up to meet the needs of these children. 

For almost three decades FOBE has opened its doors to children. To play, to explore, to sit, to jump, to be safe, to thrive, to be understood, to be accepted and just to belong. 

Parents are not only grateful for the much needed respite but just to send their child to a safe space amongst trained staff and volunteers to engage in positive activities.