Dear family and friends,

Over the last few years, I have learnt a lot about disability through ‘Oundle Mencap Holidays’, through my career as a primary school teacher, and through the London Paralympic Games.   It is both startling and inspiring what individuals with learning and physical difficulties go through on a day-to-day basis, alongside incredibly loyal and supportive parents, families, coaches and careworkers.

 

Where confusion and complications would usually prevent many young people with these difficulties from having a stress-free and enjoyable holiday, the week-long annual ‘Oundle Mencap Holiday’ makes this possible. It not only offers excellent, 24 hour care to the children on the residential holiday - some of whom have severe learning or physical difficulties - but it also to introduces them to new and varied educational experiences including trips to the seaside and adventure parks, as well as sailing, bowling and shopping.   It offers all of this at a very moderate price because generous donors help to subsidize the cost and because all the staff are volunteers.  It is entirely unique in this respect.

 

Having worked on the holiday as a volunteer myself over the course of three summers, I have seen the high quality of experiences that the children gain and the value of it to parents of the children; One parent said of her child:"She was dancing around when she came home.  She doesn't stop talking about it until the next one." 

 

It is therefore with pleasure that I am raising money for Oundle Mencap Holidays, and would appreciate any donations.  I’m slightly nervous about this marathon – which I’ve heard is one of the hilliest (eeek!) – so your generosity will also spur me on!    If you would like to support my chosen charity, please click  'donate' at the top of the page – if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.  

Thank you so much.

 

Rosie xxxx

Further information can be found at:

www.oundlemencap.co.uk

 

which includes photos of some of the activities which take place on the holiday.