Red Balloon supports children who are too frightened to go to school. This situation may come about for various reasons: bullying; mental health problems;  other traumas. It is not uncommon for some youngsters who have experienced these setbacks to attempt suicide. Without Red Balloon’s care many such children would be forced to abandon their education thus missing  exams, becoming socially isolated, and failing to find their place in the adult world.

Red Balloon provides educational excellence in a highly nurturing environment where the wellbeing of every child is crucially important. Children receive therapeutic support so that can build their self esteem and discover self confidence allowing them to resume their education, make friends, and engage with their communities. Most importantly every child is enabled to learn to trust others again and to find the courage to foresee and plan a positive future.

I was particularly affected by Lottie’s story published on Red Balloon’s website. Lottie was bullied mercilessly consequently missing five months of school. She also developed debilitating anxiety. Following a period in hospital when Lottie was very unwell, her mother discovered Red Balloon. Lottie was placed in a Red Balloon school where she began to realise her potential for the first time. She is now at college, and the possibilities before her are now limitless. Her remarkable story is here: https://www.redballoonlearner.org/stories/

An estimated 16,000 children miss school on account of the effects of bullying. These children need, and deserve, the care and kindness of specially trained adults such as the teachers at Red Balloon in order to recover to recover. 

So will you sponsor me please?

It is Red Balloon's 25th anniversary this year. The money I raise will go towards their Future Fund, so that this extraordinary charity will continue to exist to support children badly damaged by their experiences.

The rules of Everesting are here:  https://everesting.cc

Your generosity will go a very long way to motivating me to complete the challenge. 

Thank you so much.