I'm in a wheelchair, since being paralysed in an accident many years
However, for almost 30yrs I have run a riding centre which caters for all children, including those with severe special needs or learning difficulties.
We are based in a beautiful but deprived rural area in Lincolnshire. My aim has always been to give any child, whatever their circumstances, the opportunity to learn to ride and love ponies, not just those children whose parents could afford lessons.
Willow Farm is a non profit making Pony Club Centre where we offer weekly subsidised sessions for just £4 to members. Every penny goes into the ponies welfare and upkeep of the facilities.
We are very proud to have been established for nearly 30yrs, but it is an enormous financial struggle to keep the Centre going. Watching the children progress, grow in confidence, and seeing the huge enjoyment it brings to their lives keeps us determined to meet all the challenges we face.
15years ago a legacy enabled us to install an all weather rubber surface which allowed for safe riding throughout the winter. This year disaster struck as the surface, which has been slowly disintegrating over the years, is now becoming unusable. For the children to keep riding, we desperately need help to raise £7500 for it's renewal, but literally do not have the funds.
We urgently need any donations however small to help us achieve this target. Any amount would be so gratefully received and enormously appreciated by all of us here at Willow Farm.
Many thanks.