Special sports day held for disabled pupils

LAUGHTER and fun filled the air at this special sports day for disabled pupils at the Percy Hedley Foundation in Forest Hall.
The pupils would not be able to enjoy the activities without extra support – and extra funding to pay for it.
But thanks to a cash boost of more than £5,000, around 100 youngsters were able to enjoy a fun-filled day like any able-bodied pupils.
The sports day was held as part of the summer school activities taking place during the holidays at Percy Hedley School.
Children had the chance to try out powerchair football, which uses electric wheelchairs to play a ball game now recognised by the Football Association.
They also played wheelchair basketball and relay races with water as well as egg-and-spoon races and raft races. Fundraiser Des Bustard, from the school, said: “Events like our sports day gives so much joy to our students and their families.
“We do not receive statutory funding during the school holidays and therefore without donations we would be unable to organise a summer school for our students.
“It was fun and games with the emphasis on making it an enjoyable day with activities for everyone.”
The Percy Hedley Foundation supports children with disabilities ranging from cerebral palsy to communication and learning difficulties.
Its summer school was granted an award of £5,517 from the Postcode Lottery, which has just given out more than £53,000 worth of cheques to charities in the North East.
Other groups to benefit include Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Mencap North East and Help the Aged.