News

A generous mystery benefactor has teamed up with Barclays to donate a Sunshine coach from Variety, the children's charity, to the Seashell Trust.

We have been presented with the £40,000 minibus, sponsored by an anonymous donor with partnership funding from Barclays Corporate in the North West.

Anne Gough, head of Royal School Manchester at Seashell Trust, said: “Our commitment to our children is to help them to become valued and valuable members of the community. Community access is essential to develop the children’s functional skills and confidence and enabling them to transfer skills learnt in school in to the community.

“In the past community visits for our children have been difficult to arrange due to limited wheelchair access on public transport. Having our own Sunshine coach means that our children can now have regular community visits which will lead to improved life outcomes for all.

The donation of the Sunshine coach by Variety, the children’s charity, has really made a difference and will really support the education and wellbeing of all our children at Seashell Trusts Royal School Manchester.”

Michael Morrison, vice chairman and appeals chairman at Variety Northwest Region, handed over the 17-seater coach has space for four wheelchairs which will be used to give children access to a variety of activities in the community from days out at the seaside to visits to the cinema and educational visits to local parks and museums.

Lyn Staunton, Northwest development director at Variety, said: “It is always a great day when a new Variety Sunshine Coach takes to the road bringing miles of smiles to so many children , but today its extra special as so many people have done so much, to make this happen for Seashell Trust. I would like to express my sincere thanks to every one of those wonderful people.”