In 2008 after years of frustration in trying to find suitable therapy for his daughter Paul Bannister decided to try to establish a charity to provide this service. Paul enlisted Douglas Long to help set up and launch Heel and Toe. Paul and Doug decided early in their journey ‘That No Child Should Be Denied Therapy Due To a Lack of Money’.
Heel & Toe Children’s Charity was established in June 2008. The ‘Not for Profit’ organisation was granted charity status on the 4 September 2008 and the centre was opened on October 2008, offering FREE Conductive Education Therapy for any child with Cerebral
Palsy in an annex based at the Meadows School in Spennymoor County Durham. Due to an increasing demand for the expanding services offered at Heel & Toe it was decided in 2009 a new building was required. The trustees decided to relocate to a more central place in County Durham, and found premises to rent in Framwellgate Moor. This made travelling to the charity from North or South ofthe region easier. A satellite centre in Darlington was also established.
Demand continued to increase for the range of services now
available from Heel & Toe. By the end of 2012 the charity trustees
decided it was time to find and purchase a building that would become a legacy for the children and parents of County Durham in the North of England.
Premises were found in Pelton and funding secured to refurbish a facility for the children of the North East Region. The
desire of the board of trustees is to establish a centre of excellence for the delivery for a range of therapies which will benefit the children and their families for many years. We can only continue to do this with the ongoing support of the people of the North East and beyond.
To raise money for this excellent cause, Starkold take part
in several cycling events throughout the year.
Starkold’s annual coast 2 coast cycle challenge is happening 1st - 3rd September 2017. The challange is a leisurely three day event covering 180 miles of the finest scenery and areas of outstanding natural beauty. We are now going into our 9th year of partcipating and would like to make it the best yet.
The route is not without some challenging terrain providing some hard climbs, including a couple of cat 1 climbs (the highest of which being over 2,000 feet) but with some basic training and a little willpower it is achievable.Tradition dictates that you start the ride by dipping your back wheel in the Irish Sea and only finish when your front wheel gets a dip in the North Sea at the other end.
We would love your involvement, either by taking part yourself, getting your friends involved, or by contributing a small donation. Hope to see you all there!
