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TBSF Helps Percy Hedley Row-a-thon

With the nation gripped by Sport Relief activities over recent weeks, students at the Percy Hedley Foundation have been taking part in the Sport Relief mile through a whole host of sporting activities including rowing, swimming, basketball and running.

The specialist school which supports children with cerebral palsy is a partner of the Tony Blair Sports Foundation, and aims to teach children and adults who live with disabilities the skills that they need to live their lives as independently and actively as they can. To help the Percy Hedley Foundation students take part in their Sport Relief activities, the Tony Blair Sports Foundation stepped in to supply rowing machines which allowed students to take part in a row-a-thon.

A total of 16 students between 14 and 16 years old took part in the row-a-thon on Thursday 22 March. And together they rowed a total distance of 16,600 metres, equivalent to a fantastic 10 miles! There were great performances from the students who took on the Sport Relief challenge, with some managing to row a distance of 200 metres despite their disabilities. The students’ competitiveness also came out during the event as some even took on the challenge twice to try and beat their times.

Speaking about the Percy Hedley Foundation’s Sport Relief activities, Events Organiser and Head Teacher Judith James said:

“We wanted to take part as it is a great way for our children, young people and adults to be part of the local community. As disabled people they look for ways that they can take part in initiatives such as Sport Relief – we just need to do it slightly differently. Whichever way we complete the Sport Relief mile we will raise money with the added benefit of the personal satisfaction that we’ve taken part. One of our mottos is ‘Just Think What’s Possible’ and taking part in initiatives such as this is one way we can show that anything is possible with the right support.”

Jeanette Pickard, Chief Executive of the Tony Blair Sports Foundation commented: 

“The Tony Blair Sports Foundation is extremely proud to work with the Percy Hedley Foundation. I am delighted that we were able to supply the rowing machines to support the row-a-thon for Sport Relief. The students produced some really inspiring performances and at the same time have raised money for a very worthwhile cause. Well done to all who took part.”

For more information about the Percy Hedley Foundation please visit www.percyhedley.org.uk

If you would like to know more about the Tony Blair Sports Foundation please contact us by emailing info@tonyblairsportsfoundation.org or by calling 0191 276 0640