The new coach has been sponsored by The Bingo Association thanks to the funds raised by the bingo industry and players nationwide.

The Children’s Hospital School caters for over 100 children, aged 3-16 years, with an array of medical needs and disabilities. The new Sunshine coach, which is specially adapted, will replace the school’s current 20 year-old minibus that has reached the end of its useful life. It will be used to support and extend the school’s curriculum, take students on various trips and activities (such as horse riding and college placements) to broaden their experiences, and allow the children to develop independence and build their confidence for future challenges.

Alastair Stewart, Business Development Manager of the Bingo Association said:

“More than 400 bingo clubs across the UK made this very worthy donation of a Sunshine Coach possible and so I must thank the staff and bingo players for their support. We’re very excited to continue our fundraising throughout 2017/2018 and hope to reach our target of £1 million to help more children get the most out of their childhood and reach their unique potential.”

Stephen Deadman, Head teacher at The Children’s Hospital School said:

“On behalf of the children at The Children’s Hospital School, I would like to say how extremely grateful we are to Variety and the Bingo Association for providing us with a new coach. At the school, we work with many vulnerable children who are too ill to attend school due to either physical or mental health. The new minibus will enable us to enhance the curriculum and enrichment programme we offer which is vital to the well-being and recovery of the children.”