News

Seashell Trust students partied with the prime minister at Number 10 Downing Street.

Cayman and Reims Norton, Harrison Linley Jones, Scarlett Hickey, Sara Asif, Gethin Plant, Shauna Miller, Daniel Hall and Sofia Gawlyk attended a very special celebration with their families and teachers.

It is the fourth year David Cameron has hosted a Christmas party for young people at his official residence.

Angela Norton, mum of Cayman, seven, and Reims, 14, said: “We had an amazing time from the minute we arrived. We were met by Dick and Dom who were great and the kids loved them. There was a beautiful Christmas tree and three reindeer outside. We were greeted by princesses who took us in the lift upstairs to the party.

“We visited Santa in his grotto and were given presents. There was food and drink and dancing with princess and elves. Cayman danced and cuddled Paddington. It was lovely to see all the children, and even the parents, enjoying themselves.”

Cayman and Reims have a rare and life-threatening form of epilepsy called West syndrome, severe learning difficulties and autism. Her other son Harry, 13, helps care for them. He also raises money for Seashell Trust in Cheadle Hulme.

Angela said: “Mrs Cameron came over to talk about the boys, why the Seashell Trust is so important and about Harry and his fundraising. She was amazed by how we deal with the boys and she talked a little about her son having had severe epilepsy. She was a lovely and caring lady.”

The Camerons' son Ivan also had cerebral palsy and died aged six in 2009.

Angela added: “Cayman put his arms up to the prime minister and he gave him a cuddle. It was a lovely moment and one I will always remember. Then Harry asked if he could have his photo taken with him and he gladly agreed. I can't wait to see the picture. We were honoured to have been asked by Seashell Trust and 10 Downing Street.”

Rachel Barnet, senior teacher at Royal School Manchester, said: “It was treat well deserved by our families. They have very difficult and challenging lives so it was wonderful to see them all having such a good time and being made to feel so special. Our students coped brilliantly with both the party and long journey. It was a day they will never forget.”

“Downing Street staff were incredibly helpful and several told me it's one of their favourite events of the year. Samantha Cameron spent quite a lot of time with the parents and could obviously empathise with their situations.”

Jane Woodward, head of Royal School Manchester, said: “It was an honour for Seashell Trust to have been invited to Downing Street. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for our young people and their families and one they will never forget. We would like to thank Mr Cameron for giving them this magical Christmas experience.”

The Prime Minister thanks Harry for all his fundraising for Seashell Trust in Macclesfield Express and Cheshire Today