Ethos Public Relations Manchester

Action For Kids welcomes donation from Sainsbury's Muswell Hill

by Ethos Admin

Disabled children and young people’s charity Action For Kids, based in Hornsey, North London, is to receive a cheque for £3,700 from Sainsbury's Muswell Hill following a busy year of fundraising.

Over the past year, employees at the Sainsbury’s store have undertaken a wide range of activities to support the charity. Employees have taken part in the Finsbury Park run, organised a Jubilee Party, and held in-store collections and raffles to raise vital funds for Action For Kids.

Some of the supermarket’s staff have volunteered with Action For Kids, giving the employees a wealth of useful experience and, in addition, the charity, which offers a work placement scheme, has seen a number of young people gain valuable work experience at the store.

Speaking about the donation from Sainsbury’s, Tracey Lloyd, director of fundraising at Action For Kids said: “We are so grateful to the staff and customers of Sainsbury’s for all their help. We rely on the generosity of local businesses and their customers to provide essential support to young disabled people and we cannot thank them enough.”

Action For Kids helps children and young people with physical and learning disabilities find greater levels of independence and opportunity through the provision of appropriate aid and support. The charity provides a supportive, accessible environment where students can not only gain valuable experience but also be of real help in the running of the charity.

To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, visit www.actionforkids.org.

Posted at 20^th May 2013

Luke's charity walk for little sister

by Ethos Admin

Family and friends of Hannah Warburton from Lydiate undertook a sponsored walk to raise money for a specialist piece of equipment that will give her increased mobility and freedom.

Led by brother Luke (six), the group are raising funds for national disabled children's charity, Action For Kids, to pay for a Tomcat trike for Hannah who has autism and developmental delay.

According to Hannah's mum, Debbie, the trike will enable Hannah (four) to play with her brother and go for family bike rides, "just as other families do".

Says Debbie: "Hannah isn't able to pedal a bike. But when we had a trial of the Tomcat trike, she loved it. Luke was able to push her in safety and they had a great time."

Debbie and Hannah’s Dad, Pete, contacted Action For Kids to see if they could help fund the £2,200 needed for the Tomcat trike.

Action For Kids helps children and young people with physical and learning disabilities find greater levels of independence and opportunity through the provision of appropriate aid and support, including trikes like the Tomcat.

"The charity was fantastic," says Debbie. "They agreed to fund the trike for Hannah, but due to the cost they won't be able to supply it until later in the year. That's when Luke came up with the idea to raise some funds ourselves so that we can hopefully get the trike in time for the summer."

"We really want to thank everyone who is helping us raise funds for the trike. It was great to see so many of Luke’s school friends from St Thomas’ Church of England school taking part. I can’t thank them enough."

If readers would like to help Luke raise funds to help other children like Hannah, they can donate online at http://www.justgiving.com/HannahWarburton

To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, visit www.actionforkids.org.

Posted at 23^rd April 2013

Nightrider challenge offers double rewards for Tottenham dad

by Ethos Admin

For bakery manager and keen cyclist, Rob Burrows, from Tottenham in North London, cycling 100km around the streets of London at night is not only challenging but also doubly rewarding – for him and his son.

Rob is taking part in Nightrider 2013 on behalf of children’s and young people’s charity, Action For Kids, based in Hornsey.

Rob says: "My son, Daniel, has been involved with Action For Kids since he was at school – now he’s 23 – and I am taking part in the Nightrider cycle ride to raise money for the charity so they can help more youngsters like him."

Action For Kids helps children and young people with physical and learning disabilities find greater levels of independence and opportunity through the provision of appropriate aid and support.

In Daniel’s case, the charity offered him work experience when he was 15 and over the past eight years he has stayed in touch with the charity. He currently does real office work for the charity and is actively looking for a full-time paid position.

According to Rob it is very difficult for young disabled people to get work experience. "Daniel has learning difficulties and thanks to the placement provided by Action For Kids he was able to get a real taste of the world of work."

Action For Kids provides a supportive, accessible environment where students can not only gain valuable experience but also be of real help in the running of the charity.

Rob is hoping to complete the 100km course around London in about six and a half hours. He says: "Nightrider is a really enjoyable way to raise funds for charity and to see London in a way you might not have done before. The rapport between the riders is great and makes this challenge a real pleasure to be part of."

Nightrider 2013 takes place on 8 and 9 June and you can find more information at http://www.actionforkids.org/nightrider.asp

Sponsor Rob Burrows and help raise vital funds for Action For Kids at http://bit.ly/16rKBLX or contact events@actionforkids.org if you would like to take part too. The deadline to sign up for Nightrider 2013 is 10 May.

To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, visit www.actionforkids.org

Posted at 13^th March 2013

Zip across the Tyne like Bear Grylls for charity

by Ethos Admin

Action For Kids is looking for 21 intrepid people from the North East to follow in the footsteps of TV adventurer Bear Grylls by zip sliding across the Tyne.

Last summer, Bear zipped across the Tyne with the Olympic Torch as part of the Newcastle / Gateshead Olympic Torch Relay celebrations and now national disability charity Action For Kids is calling on other budding daredevils to rise to the challenge.

As Action For Kids celebrates its 21st birthday this year, it is inviting thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies to do a charity zip slide and raise vital funds for disabled children, young people and their families.

The zip slide from the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Arts, on 29th and 30th June, starts 40 metres up from the roof of BALTIC and travels 280 metres diagonally across the river before finishing on the Newcastle quayside.

“Zip sliding is a fun way to raise vital funds for the charity,” says Lucy Duxbury, Fundraising and Community Events Officer at Action For Kids. “After seeing Bear Grylls zip across the Tyne last summer, we’re sure there are dozens of people out there secretly itching to do the same this year!”

Action For Kids is a national charity that supports children and young people with physical and learning disabilities find greater levels of independence and opportunity through the provision of appropriate aid and support.

Lucy adds: “To do the zip slide for Action For Kids only costs £45 per person. All you need to do is to pay your own registration fee and then raise as much money as you can for the charity.

“In addition, all those joining up to zip for Action For Kids will receive lots of fundraising support, including a welcome pack full of hints and tips and a personalised Action For Kids T-shirt.”

The zip slides are delivered by Zip Slides UK, which has delivered over 90 events since 2009, involving 20,000 participants, and has a 100% safety record.

To find out more about the zip slide events organised by Zip Slide UK and to book your place, go to http://www.zipslidesuk.co.uk/events.

For more information about zip sliding to raise funds for Action For Kids, please contact Lucy on 020 8347 8111, email events@actionforkids.org, or visit www.actionforkids.org.

Posted at 18^th February 2013

Pull on your running shoes for charity!

by Ethos Admin

National kids and young people’s charity, Action For Kids, is encouraging marathon runners who have missed out on a place in the Virgin London Marathon to consider applying for a place in this year’s Brighton Marathon.

Many charity runners are disappointed each year when they fail to secure a place in the London Marathon. However, there is still an opportunity to fulfil that ambition and take on the challenge with Action For Kids, who are offering runners the chance to take part in the Brighton Marathon.

“The London Marathon is so popular these days that many runners who would really like to run and support a charity have difficulty getting a place,” says Lucy Duxbury, Events and Community Officer at the charity.

“But the Brighton Marathon offers the same physical challenge and takes in stunning coastal views and a tour of this fun-loving party city. What’s more, the crowd support is also breathtaking, with supporters lining the streets to cheer each and every runner on to the finish line.”

Everyone who volunteers to run the Brighton Marathon for Action For Kids receives help and support from the charity, including a welcome pack full of fundraising ideas and training advice, a personalised AFK running vest and guidance on setting up an online fundraising page.

Says Lucy: “We are encouraging all our runners to raise £500 (a lot less than the average London Marathon sponsorship target!) and every runner will know that they have helped to support a really worthwhile charity that makes a difference to so many young people’s lives.”

Action For Kids helps children and young people with both physical and learning disabilities find greater levels of independence and opportunity through the provision of appropriate aid and support.

Public entries to this year’s Brighton Marathon, which takes place on Sunday 14th April, have now closed, so the only way to enter is through a charity such as Action For Kids.

To find out more about running the Brighton Marathon and helping Action For Kids, please visit: http://www.actionforkids.org/brightonmarathon.asp.

To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit: www.actionforkids.org.

Posted at 11^th February 2013

An evening of music and dance for Action For Kids

by Ethos Admin

Edmonton Central SDA Church is organising an evening of live music and dance performances to raise vital funds for Action For Kids, a charity which works with disabled children and young people.

The event takes place on Saturday 23 February, from 6pm to 11pm, at Boundary Hall Community Centre, Snells Park, Upper Edmonton N18 2TB.

All are invited to the event - entrance is free but donations are welcome and the proceeds from refreshment sales will go to support the charity’s work.

Action For Kids is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence.

For more information email events@actionforkids.org or call Lucy on 020 8347 8111.

Posted at 7^th February 2013

New Chief Executive for national disability charity Action For Kids

by Ethos Admin

Graham Duncan has been appointed Chief Executive of national disability charity Action For Kids and took up his post at the beginning of January 2013.

Graham Duncan joins Action For Kids from Prostate Cancer UK, where he was Interim Director of Operations. Over the past eight years, Graham’s career has also included time working with Charity Bank and a housing association.

"This is a hugely exciting opportunity," says Graham. "I am acutely aware of what Action For Kids has achieved over the past 20 years or so and I want to help the charity develop further. This is a real opportunity to take the charity forward and to benefit many more kids."

Action For Kids is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence.

To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org or call 020 8347 8111.

Posted at 8^th January 2013

Empowering young people with learning disabilities

by Ethos Admin

When Action For Kids, a charity that works with young people with physical and learning disabilities, needed a new senior manager, it turned to the young people themselves to help find the right candidate.

This is just one of the ways that young people with learning difficulties are being given a greater say in the services they use, thanks to a new approach by the charity, in partnership with The Rix Centre.

Sparking Change is a multi-media toolkit for participation, designed specifically to encourage organisations to give a voice to the young people with learning disabilities with whom they work. It has been developed with funding from the Big Lottery by Action For Kids working with The Rix Centre, a charity and research and development centre dedicated to exploring ways in which new media can benefit the learning disability community.

Using podcasts, computer animation and interactive website building, disabled young people are able to express themselves and learn vital skills at the same time. For many participants this is the first time that their opinions have been asked by the organisations set up to help them and for many the ability to have their say is clearly welcomed. Typical reactions from the participants include:

“It boosts your imagination and has given me useful computer skills that will help me find employment.”

“Podcasting is good and fun and it gives us the chance to experience and create our own radio programmes. I liked interviewing my best friend and talking about what we liked to do.”

“I love my own website…. it makes me feel really happy all that hard work I have done!!!!! I feel like I want to take my own camera and record my own video on here, I really have to show my school this. I think my school is so going to copy our ideas now lol ;-P”

Sally Bishop, Founder of Action For Kids, said: “At Action For Kids we have always talked to the young disabled people who use our services and listened to their ideas, but we realised that we needed a more explicit approach to participation. Sparking Change has empowered our young people to influence and shape the organisation and the services we provide, and offers a wealth of resources that other organisations embarking on the same journey can benefit from.”

Andy Minnion MBE, Director of The Rix Centre, said: “The Rix Centre specialises in investigating how multimedia can help people with physical and or learning disabilities organise their thoughts, remember, learn and communicate more effectively. As a result, we were delighted to link up with Action For Kids on this project to help young people with learning disabilities gain a greater say in the services they use.”

Sparking Change is launched today at a House of Lords reception, hosted by Lord Rix – better known as Brian Rix, star of TV and theatre – who has campaigned on behalf of people with learning difficulties for over 60 years and is an enthusiastic advocate of the benefits of new media.

To find out more about Sparking Change and the training and support available, please go to www.actionforkids-sparkingchange.org.

Posted at 5^th December 2012

Haringey business teams up with local charity to help disabled child

by Ethos Admin

A nine year-old girl with cerebral palsy has been presented with a brand new specialist trike from national disability charity Action For Kids, thanks to the generosity of property management company Petit Papillon Management Limited, based in Highgate.

Petit Papillon Management Limited approached Hornsey-based Action For Kids about buying a trike for a local disabled child and the charity was delighted to be able to help Holly from Haringey. The new trike will give Holly greater independence. It will allow her to play and have fun with her friends, as well as giving her plenty of exercise.

“The trike is fantastic,” says Holly’s mum. “It has given Holly a new sense of freedom and she loves it. The pleasure it brings is there on her face for all to see – she has the biggest smile whenever she is on the trike.

“We are extremely grateful to Petit Papillon Management Limited and Action For Kids for the brilliant new trike!”

Alex Lubrani from Petit Papillon Management Limited said: “We wanted to work with a charity based in our borough working with disabled people and when offered the opportunity to fund the purchase of a new trike for a local disabled child, Holly, who lives nearby, we were delighted to be able to help her. I am sure the trike will make a huge difference to Holly and we look forward to hearing how she gets on. 

“We were also delighted to enjoy a fantastic afternoon out accompanying some of the young people from Action For Kids together with their support team this month for pizza and bowling in North Finchley.”  

Lyn Prodger, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Action For Kids, said: “We love to be able to help young people like Holly but we depend on the generosity of companies like Petit Papillon Management Limited for our work. We really appreciate the support they have given and we know that Holly will benefit from her new trike.”

Action For Kids is a charity that is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence. To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.

The photo shows Holly receiving her new trike from Founder of Action For Kids, Sally Bishop.

Posted at 22^nd November 2012

Disabled Stafford man receives specialist wheelchair thanks to Action For Kids

by Ethos Admin

26 year old Gareth Hughes from Stafford, who has cerebral palsy, has received a specialist wheelchair with help from young people’s charity Action For Kids.

Gareth had already received a £1,500 donation from another charity towards the cost of a new powered wheelchair, but needed to raise over £2,000 more – and that’s where Action For Kids stepped in.

Gareth’s mum Georgina found out about Action For Kids on the internet and after discussing it with Gareth’s Occupational Therapist decided to contact them. With the help of a supporting letter from the OT, Georgina was able to explain Gareth’s requirements to the charity.

Although Gareth had a powered wheelchair before, it was no longer suitable for his needs. Without a new one, he would have had to rely on other people pushing him around in a manual wheelchair, which would have seriously restricted his quality of life.

Within a matter of weeks Action For Kids had accepted Gareth’s application and the wheelchair was quickly purchased.

Georgina says: “The new wheelchair has made a huge difference to Gareth’s life and it has given his independence a real boost.

“For instance, instead of his brother picking him up for lunch, Gareth now meets him in town and makes his own way home on the bus. He also makes arrangements to meet his friends and loves to go shopping by himself, going where he wants, rather than where his family want to go.”

Gareth’s new found independence means he can do new things and he now enjoys doing pottery for the disabled at a local college.

The new wheelchair arrived just in time for a family holiday to Falmouth and Gareth was delighted to able to make his own way to the beach near where they were staying. He has also been on holiday with his brother and sister – something he could only have dreamed about before he had his new wheelchair.

Georgina adds: “The new wheelchair has made him so independent and Gareth is now so happy, he was depressed before – we’ve got our Gareth back. He has a constant smile on his face.

“We really appreciate the help provided by Action For Kids – we don’t know what we would have done without it.”

Action For Kids, which celebrates its 21st Birthday this year, is a national charity that supports children and young people with physical and learning disabilities find greater levels of independence and opportunity through the provision of appropriate aid and support. To find out more about Action For Kids visit www.actionforkids.org.

Posted at 21^st November 2012

Fundraising Durham students head to Cardiff

by Ethos Admin

More than 50 'superheroes' from Durham University are on their way to Cardiff City Centre to raise funds for national children's charity Action For Kids, and they are looking forward to meeting as many Cardiffians as possible.

As part of Durham University Charity Kommittee's (DUCK) regular fundraising activities, the 'superheroes' will be collecting cash to help Action For Kids, a charity that supports children and young people with physical and learning disabilities find greater levels of independence and opportunity through the provision of appropriate aid and support.

DUCK Ragraid Co-ordinator, Josh Kaye said: "We are really looking forward to our trip to Cardiff as we haven't been there before. We are hoping to raise about £5,000 to help Action For Kids in its vital work."

The students will be out and about across the city centre on Sunday 28 October from 9am and are looking forward to meeting as many people as possible during the day.

"We are really grateful to Josh and all the students for agreeing to collect money for us during their Ragraid," said Lucy Duxbury, Fundraising and Community Events Officer at Action For Kids.

"We rely on volunteer fundraisers such as these students from Durham University to fund our work, which includes providing very specialist mobility equipment to young people with disabilities."

Lucy added: "Action For Kids can’t thank the students and the people of Cardiff enough for their support."

Said Josh Kaye: "If any of your readers see us in fancy dress on Sunday 28 October collecting for Action For Kids, I hope they come up and say 'croeso' as we are a really friendly bunch."

To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.

Posted at 23^rd October 2012

Glasgow friends to hit Big Apple for one of world's largest marathons

by Ethos Admin

Two friends from Glasgow are in training for their biggest charity challenge to date – the New York City Marathon on Sunday 4 November – to help raise money for national disability charity, Action For Kids.

David Liddell (right) and David Talbot (left), both 31, are hoping to raise £5,000 or more for the disabled young people’s charity, by taking part in the New York City Marathon – one of the largest marathons in the world.

“We are both really looking forward to the challenge,” David Talbot said. “We are running at least three times a week to prepare and we are now including interval training, tempo runs and longer slower runs in our regime. We have also entered a few half marathon races, to stay as competitive as possible and to keep race nerves away on the big day.”

Action For Kids, which celebrates its 21st Birthday this year, is a national charity that supports children and young people with physical and learning disabilities find greater levels of independence and opportunity through the provision of appropriate aid and support.

“We decided to enter the New York Marathon to raise money for Action For Kids,” David Talbot said, “as the work the charity does has such an impact on the lives of disabled young people - it really does make a massive difference.” 

The New York City Marathon is one of the world’s great road races, drawing more than 100,000 applicants annually.

Lucy Duxbury, Fundraising and Community Events Officer at Action For Kids, said: “It is fantastic to have David and David running for us. They have set themselves an amazing  fundraising target, hoping to raise £5,000 or more for the charity. We are truly grateful to them both and we wish them the very best of luck.”

The marathon, organised by New York Road Runners (NYRR) has taken place every year since 1970. It is held on the first Sunday of November and attracts professional competitors and amateurs from all over the world.

To sponsor David Liddell and David Talbot, please visit their sponsorship page at http://www.justgiving.com/david-talbotnyc

To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org

Or for more information about the New York Marathon, please visit www.nycmarathon.org

Posted at 27^th September 2012

Disability charity founder and beneficiaries get set for London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay

by Ethos Admin

The Paralympic Games are almost upon us and the founder of national disability charity Action For Kids and two of the charity’s beneficiaries are gearing up for their roles in the 24-hour London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay.

Sally Bishop, who set up the north London-based disabled young people’s charity 21 years ago, has been chosen as one of the inspirational people to help light the way to the Games.

And she will be joined by two equally inspiring young women that her charity has helped - disabled dance teacher, Lorna Marsh, 33, founder of website smoothwheels.co.uk to help disabled people travelling around the UK, and learning support assistant Lizzie Rose, 23 who, despite being a wheelchair user because of a condition that causes her joints to dislocate, works with children with special needs.

The three women were selected through public nomination campaigns run by BT, Lloyds TSB and Sainsbury’s as well as the British Paralympic Association, the International Paralympic Committee and other London 2012 sponsors and chosen for the way they represent the Paralympic Values.

Sally, Lorna and Lizzie will form part of a team of five carrying the London 2012 Paralympic Flame from Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire along Mandeville Road at just after 8.30pm on Tuesday 28 August. They will each carry their own Torch and pass the Flame between one another, as they complete their section of the Relay.

“It is such an honour for us all to have been chosen to carry the Flame during the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay,” Sally Bishop said. “It really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and one that we will never forget.”

The London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay will start at 8pm on Tuesday 28 August and will see the Paralympic Flame carried 92 miles by 580 inspirational Torchbearers, working in teams of five, from Stoke Mandeville - the birthplace of the Paralympic Games - to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, to officially open the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

The Relay will travel through some of the communities of Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire, before visiting all six host boroughs and a number of London landmarks, including Piccadilly Circus, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street and Trafalgar Square.

The Relay will have a distinctive and unique voice: celebrating the power of human endeavour and energy in the run up to the Paralympic Games.

Action For Kids, which celebrates its 21st Birthday this year, is a national charity that supports children and young people with physical and learning disabilities find greater levels of independence and opportunity through the provision of appropriate aid and support.

To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org

Posted at 20^th August 2012

Follow in the Queen’s footsteps and take a leap this summer for charity

by Ethos public relations

After the Queen parachuted into the London 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony with James Bond, a national disability charity is hoping Her Majesty’s acting debut will inspire others to take a leap to help disabled young people across the UK.

Action For Kids is calling on fearless fundraisers to take a leap over the summer months and skydive to raise money for the charity.

Celebrating its 21st Birthday this year, Action For Kids is a charity that supports children and young people with physical and learning disabilities find greater levels of independence and opportunity through the provision of appropriate aid and support.

“Skydiving is a fantastic way to raise vital funds for the charity,” said Lucy Duxbury, Fundraising and Community Events Officer at Action For Kids.

“And there’s never been a better time to sign up to such an exhilarating challenge – after seeing the Queen and 007 make their spectacular entrance into the London 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony!”

Lucy added: “With Action For Kids, you can jump out of a plane for free! All you need to do is raise a minimum of £395 in sponsorship and your exhilarating once in a lifetime opportunity will cost you nothing but a few nerves.

“So make this summer extra special and book your freefall experience with Action For Kids today.”

There are 25 airfields open all year round across the UK, where fundraisers can take on their skydiving challenges.

To sign up, please contact Lucy at Action For Kids on 020 8347 8111 or email events@actionforkids.org

To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org

Posted at 14^th August 2012

Lynne Featherstone MP cheers on Action For Kids as they go for Gold in Finsbury Park 5K

by Ethos public relations

Lynne Featherstone, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, was at the start of the Finsbury Park 5K on Saturday (23 June 2012) to cheer on students and staff from Action For Kids in their 2012km Gold Challenge.

After an exciting start, the Action For Kids team completed an amazing 180km of their 2012km Gold Challenge, to take their total to over 1350km - smashing the two-thirds mark - and they also managed to raise hundreds of pounds for the charity.

The Gold Challenge is the UK’s only Olympic and Paralympic sport based charity event and the Action For Kids team competed in the north London event together with supporters to raise money for the disabled young people’s charity – one of the Gold Challenge’s 150 charity partners.

The young people from Hornsey-based, Action For Kids, completed the 5K by jogging, walking, pushing wheelchairs and buggies with staff, volunteers, families and members of the community. Supporters from the charity’s corporate partners, Devonshires Solicitors and Sainsbury’s Muswell Hill, took part in the fun run - the first event of Action For Kids’ new charity partnership with Sainsbury’s.

Lynne Featherstone, Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, commented:

“Action for Kids is a fantastic local charity. I was delighted to be asked to help them at the Finsbury Park 5K run. The 35 people who took part raised over £400 and added 180km to their 2012km Gold Challenge. They should be proud of their efforts - well done them!”

Lyn Prodger, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Action For Kids, said: “It was a fantastic event which we all thoroughly enjoyed and we were thrilled that Lynne Featherstone could make it down to start off the event and cheer us all on! The weather was perfect for the 5K and we finished things off with a lovely picnic in the park with family, friends and supporters. Thank you very much to everyone who took part.”

Action For Kids, which celebrates its 21st Birthday this year, is a national charity that supports children and young people with physical and learning disabilities find greater levels of independence and opportunity through the provision of appropriate aid and support.

To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org

For more news from Action For Kids click here.

Posted at 26^th June 2012

Flying the flag for Action For Kids at Gold Challenge Charity event

by Ethos public relations

Young people and staff from Hornsey-based charity, Action For Kids, had a day out with a difference when they took part in the Gold Challenge Charity test event and parade at London's Olympic Stadium on Sunday 1 April 2012.

Students, staff and volunteers from the national disability charity - one of the Gold Challenge’s 150 charity partners – were among thousands of people taking part in the event, watched by a crowd of 20,000 spectators.

In addition, fundraisers who signed up to the Gold Challenge to help raise money for Action For Kids had the chance to run 100m in the Olympic Stadium, competing alongside other Gold Challengers, as well as celebrities and sports stars.

The Gold Challenge is the UK’s only Olympic and Paralympic sport based charity event and the staff and students at Action For Kids have signed up to the 2012km Challenge, and have pledged to run, walk, swim, cycle and row to meet the total.

Lyn Prodger, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Action For Kids, who took part in the parade on Sunday 1 April, said: “It was a fantastic day! One we will never forget!

“It was amazing to be part of such a truly momentous occasion and be able to experience the Olympic track for ourselves alongside our fundraisers and all the other amazing challengers, celebrities and sports stars.

“It was a real celebration which helped to build even more excitement and anticipation ahead of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It was a privilege to be part of it.”

Everyone who attended the Gold Challenge Charity event played an important role in helping London 2012 prepare for the Games as it was one of the key test events in the Stadium.

Action For Kids is a charity that is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence.

To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.

To read other news from Action For Kids click here.

Posted at 3^rd April 2012

Two specialist mobility trikes donated to Columbus School and College, Chelmsford; courtesy of national disability charity

by Ethos public relations

To help pupils at The Columbus School and College in Chelmsford learn how to cycle and find out more about bicycle and tricycle safety as part of a national campaign, two specialist trikes have been donated by Action For Kids.

Learning to cycle is one of the milestones of childhood, and the specialist trikes will not only enable pupils with a range of disabilities to learn how to cycle but they will also help them to develop self-confidence and increase their sense of independence.

The trikes will now be used as part of the school’s ‘Cyclability’ programme designed to teach primary aged children about road safety for trikes and bicycles.

“Cycling enables our students to enjoy new levels of independence and challenge,” said Ginny Bellard, Deputy Chief Executive of Columbus School and College.

“These trikes also provide therapeutic benefits; helping to strengthen muscles and improve balance and co-ordination.  We extend our sincerest thanks to Action for Kids for this kind donation.”

On a recent visit to Columbus School and College, a special school for children and young people with profound and complex learning difficulties, Sally Bishop and Beryl Hall from Family Support Services at Action for Kids, had the chance to see how much the children are already benefitting from the donated trikes.

“It is no exaggeration to say that a tricycle can really change a disabled child’s life for the better,” Sally Bishop said. “And it has been fantastic to see the difference this equipment is already making to the lives of the children here at the school.”

Ginny Bellard added: “This donation enables our young people to develop a skill they will retain for life. A skill they can enjoy with their friends and their families whether in school or out in the local community. We look forward to celebrating the students’ achievements with Action for Kids in the future.”

Action For Kids is a charity that is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence.

To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.

To read other news from Action For Kids click here.

Posted at 28^th March 2012

Stephen James Enfield presents specialist car seat to six-year-old local boy

by Ethos public relations

A six-year-old Enfield boy with Dystonic Cerebral Palsy has been presented with a brand new specialist car seat today – thanks to the fundraising efforts of the team at Stephen James Enfield and Action For Kids.

Fundraisers at London’s number one BMW and MINI Dealer managed to raise nearly £2,000 to purchase the car seat for Kai Surrey, as part of the organisation’s commitment to supporting national disability charity, Action For Kids.

The specialist car seat will enable Kai to sit perfectly straight and comfortably in the car, while travelling long distances with his mum, Amy, to and from school every day. Thanks to a special swivel turntable on the car seat, Amy will be able to get Kai in and out of the car with much more ease.

“Kai is absolutely thrilled with his new car seat,” Amy says. “He had grown out of his previous one and really needed a specially designed car seat that would help him maintain an upright position and make travelling much safer and hopefully more fun!

“We are extremely grateful to the team at Stephen James Enfield and Action For Kids for the brilliant new car seat!”

Trevor Jones, Dealer Principal at Stephen James Enfield, who presented the new car seat to Kai and Amy today, said: “We are delighted to hand over the specially designed car seat to Kai and his mum.

“It’s a great piece of kit which we know will help Kai and his mum travel in much more ease and comfort and we are all really looking forward to seeing what a difference it makes to them both.”

Lyn Prodger, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Action For Kids, who attended the presentation, said. “We are always pleased to be able to help support young people like Kai.

“We know that the new car seat will offer him great benefits and we look forward to hearing how Kai is getting on over the next few months.”

Action For Kids is a charity that is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence.

To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.

Posted at 27^th February 2012

Sophie Habibis pays a surprise visit to the Action For Kids Christmas Party

by Ethos public relations

X Factor Finalist, Sophie Habibis, helped to make the Action For Kids Christmas party this year a singing success, after paying a surprise visit to the event held at the Pavilion, home of North Middlesex Cricket Club, in Crouch End.

Sophie, from Highgate, met with Action For Kids students and their families as well as some of the children and young people the charity has helped over the years and entertained guests with a soulful rendition of classic Christmas carols, which she sang with the youngsters.

Sophie also posed for photographs before the Action For Kids students performed a Bollywood dance extravaganza, and members of staff put on a secretly rehearsed concert of pop classics.

“It was a fantastic event,” said Sally Bishop, Founder of Action For Kids. “And we were absolutely delighted that Sophie could make it.

“A lot of our students and the young people we work with just love the X Factor and they were thrilled to meet Sophie in person and be able to sing a few Christmas carols with her! It really did get us all into the festive spirit.

“Sophie created a storm of excitement and joy at the event and helped to make it a night to remember for so many deserving young people affected by disability. We cannot thank her enough.”

The evening was donated by a generous anonymous sponsor with gifts provided by Next, Sainsbury's Muswell Hill, Marks and Spencer Crouch End and Thornton's Budgens of Crouch End.

Sally Bishop added: “I would like to thank all those involved in helping to make our Christmas party such a fantastic event and we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!”

Action For Kids, based in Hornsey, is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence.

The charity’s latest appeal is ‘12 Trikes for Christmas’ and you can donate now to help Action For Kids purchase and deliver new tricycles for twelve children with varying special needs and disabilities in time for them to open on Christmas morning.

To make a donation and to find out more about Action For Kids, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org

Click here to read more press releases for Action For Kids from Ethos public relations.

Posted at 20^th December 2011

Plymouth hopeful to hit Big Apple for one of world’s largest marathons

by Ethos public relations

A 20-year-old student from St Budeaux is in training for the New York City Marathon – one of the largest marathons in the world - to help raise money for national disability charity, Action For Kids.

Emily Marley, who is currently studying Mechanical Engineering at Loughborough University, is one of 15 runners taking part in the marathon on Sunday 6 November to help raise funds for the charity that is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence.

“The New York City Marathon is an incredible opportunity for me to give something back,” Emily said. “My brother has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – a life threatening, wheelchair bounding physical disability – and I know first-hand just how invaluable the support from charities like Action For Kids is for young people with physical and learning disabilities.

“My plan is to raise £2,000 to help provide the chance for others, in my brother’s situation, to be given all the necessary support to remove the barriers to their independence.”

The New York City Marathon is a major annual marathon with the course running through all five boroughs of New York City, and is one of the largest marathons in the world, with 45,103 finishers in 2010.

Carolyn Mwaniki, Events and Community Fundraising Manager at Action for Kids, said: “It is fantastic to have Emily and the whole team running for us. They have all set themselves fundraising targets and hope to raise £21,000 or more for the charity, which is just brilliant! We are truly grateful to everyone who is taking part.”

The marathon, organised by New York Road Runners (NYRR) has taken place every year since 1970. It is held on the first Sunday of November and attracts professional competitors and amateurs from all over the world.

Action For Kids helps to support children and young people with physical and learning disabilities and their parents and carers across the country. Through its “Towards Independence” programmes, the charity helps disabled children, young people and their families lead more independent lives through the provision of specialist services such as: training in independent living skills and work related learning; a family support service; a national help line and much more.

The charity also provides disabled young people, up to the age of 26, with specialist mobility equipment, and an on-going maintenance program to keep wheelchairs working. The equipment, which is provided on a permanent loan scheme, means that Action for Kids covers the cost of maintaining and servicing the wheelchairs on an ongoing basis, removing a major financial burden from families.

To sponsor Emily, please visit her personal sponsorship page at www.justgiving.com/emily-m.

To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.

And for more information about the New York Marathon, please visit www.nycmarathon.org.

To read other news from Action For Kids click here.

Posted at 4^th November 2011