In recognition of this important milestone, Variety hosted two Sunshine Coach Presentations with The Kentown Wizard Foundation at the recipient schools: Hope School and College in Wigan and Cromwell High School in Dukinfield, Greater Manchester.

Variety’s Chief Executive, Laurence Guinness, joined the celebrations with special guests, Ian Jones, Chief Executive of The Kentown Wizard Foundation, alongside representatives from the Foundation’s Trustee Board and team.

A moment to celebrate

Variety is very proud to partner with The Kentown Wizard Foundation, whose support for disadvantaged children and young people with disabilities through the Sunshine Coach programme will make a positive and lasting impact for years to come.

As vital community assets, the Sunshine Coaches will transform the lives of hundreds of pupils every year and reach thousands of children throughout their 15-year lifespan.

Happy days for Hope School and College

During the presentation at Hope School and College, pupils and staff spoke of their immense gratitude at receiving their new Sunshine Coach.

Sarah Paton, Teacher at Hope School and College, commented, “Thank you for choosing to support our school. Your generous support will make a real difference to our pupils.

This isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a chance for our children to take part in more educational visits, explore new places and broaden their experiences in ways that enrich their learning.”

“Our school is a special place, and it means a great deal that you recognised our need and chose to invest in our pupils’ future. On behalf of our staff, our families and most importantly our children, thank you for your generosity.”

Hope School and College caters for children and young people from 2 to 35 years old, who present a diverse range of needs. With over 200 students and pupils, the school guides and supports pupils’ ambitions with specialised support from a highly experienced multidisciplinary team.

The school will use their Sunshine Coach to provide their students with the opportunity to engage in new experiences such as sporting and community events, work experience, swimming classes and to partake in the Duke of Edinburgh and outdoor forest school activities.

Ian Jones, CEO of The Kentown Wizard Foundation, commented:

We are incredibly proud to work alongside Variety to support Hope School and College and Cromwell High School with two new Sunshine Coaches. For many children with complex disabilities, opportunities to access their community can be limited, yet these experiences are vital.”

“We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and hope these Coaches will open doors to new adventures for these wonderful children for years to come.”

Celebrations and cheers with pupils at Cromwell High School

Cromwell High School supports over 130 pupils aged 11 to 19. All have severe and complex needs including complex medical and life-limiting conditions, sensory processing disorders and sensory and physical impairments. Many are from low-income families and over half are eligible for free school meals, while several are looked after by the local authority.

The Cromwell team, led by Headteacher, Suzanne Pass, extended a warm welcome to Ian alongside his wife Alison Jones, who were joined by Variety’s Development Director, Lyn Staunton. Pupils sat down with the Kentown Team for a special ‘show and tell’ as they illustrated their plans for their new Sunshine Coach. 

Lydia Seton, Chair of Team Cromwell added:

“Team Cromwell would like to extend a huge thank you to Variety and their Sunshine Coaches programme, who played a vital role in making this dream a reality. Through the scheme, the school was linked with the Kentown Wizard Foundation, who kindly supported the application and generously funded the remaining amount required for the Sunshine Coach.

Words cannot thank you enough.”

“The scale of the achievement highlights the power of partnership and community spirit, with charitable organisations and the school community working together to support pupils and enhance their opportunities.”

Laurence Guinness, CEO of Variety added:

“Today, more than half of the 1.1 million children living with a disability (over 600,000 children) also live in poverty. Variety’s support is a beacon of hope for these disabled and disadvantaged children.

“The incredible support from The Kentown Wizard Foundation ensures our specially adapted Sunshine Coaches will continue to break down barriers in the Blackpool and North West area. Together, we are opening doors to a world of opportunity, creating a positive and enduring impact on the lives of children and young people with disabilities and special educational needs.

“The Kentown Wizard Foundation’s support for Variety directly provides vulnerable children with the educational and recreational activities they would otherwise be excluded from, fostering greater independence, building confidence, and creating lifelong friendships and lasting memories.

“From the bottom of our hearts, we thank The Kentown Wizard Foundation.”