Special needs school, Cromwell High in Dukinfield Northwest received a new Sunshine Coach that was sponsored by “The Michael Josephson MBE Summer Ball” that took place at the Hilton Hotel Manchester Deansgate on Saturday 30th June earlier this year.

The teachers and parents of the school said this Variety Sunshine Coach would enable the children to have life changing experiences including great days out and educational trips that would otherwise be out of reach to them.

The presentation took place at Cromwell High School during a special Assembly on Tuesday October 16th in the presence of excited pupils and staff members including executive Head Teacher, Andrew Ford and Head of School, Joanna Macdonald. The children all met Michael Josephson MBE as he visited the pupils in each classroom.

At the special assembly, Mr Josephson announced another surprise to a very special young boy who needs a specialised piece of equipment called an ‘Eye Gaze’, a communication tool that is vital for improving communication on a daily basis that this would be donated as a matter of urgency for the young boy.

Joanna MacDonald, Head of School said:

We cannot thank Mr Michaelson enough for all the wonderful support and kindness he has showed to Cromwell High School with our new Sunshine Coach and there wasn’t a dry eye in the school when Mr Josephson unexpectedly announced that he would sponsor the ‘Eye Gaze’ equipment for one of our pupils.

Michael Josephson MBE said:

I am honoured to be in a position to support so many sick, disabled and disadvantaged children here in the Northwest. I am here today representing all the fantastic people who supported my inaugural Michael Josephson MBE Summer Ball that raised over £250k for children’s charities. As the Vice Chairman of Patrons of Variety, I was delighted to bring a cheque for £147,134.43 to Variety to support more children here in the Northwest Region.

Lyn Staunton, Variety Northwest Development Director said:

“We are extremely grateful to Michael Josephson MBE for funding Cromwell High School’s Variety Sunshine Coach. These coaches, often regarded as ‘mobile classrooms’ give pupils with additional needs the opportunity to experience active learning and develop life skills outside of the school environment. Michael does so much for Variety in the Northwest Region and we will be forever grateful to him for the difference he has made to so many children.”

A young student of Cromwell High School asking Mr.Michael Josephson MBE – “Did you buy our Coach?”