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The last time I wrote on
this blog about a good cause was to give publicity to Will Wearmouth’s bike ride to France in aid of the British Legion. Suffice to say Will did amazingly
well, achieved his goal with flying colours and raised a fantastic amount in
the process.
This time I want to just
give a blog (and, I hope, twitter) shout-out to a wonderful trampolining club
for autistic children in Liverpool, run by my cousin Stephanie Graston. Leaps
and Bounds – formerly JMUpers – was operated by John Moores University, but through
Stephanie’s tireless energy and fundraising all the money is now ploughed back
into the club. Through her work it has kept its home at I M Marsh, part of the
JMU campus, and she has expanded through word of mouth to run a happy,
successful and well-loved club with at least 100 children on her books.
I know many of the parents
are incredibly grateful for Stephanie’s friendly, relaxed approach, her dedication
and above all affection for and understanding of the children at the club and
the pressures faced by their families. For many the club is a lifeline where
those with similar experiences, so it is not only a chance for the children to
gain a huge amount from trampolining (Stephanie is doing an MA into the
benefits of trampolining and exercise for autistic children), but it is also a
chance for parents to get together. And trampolines aren’t the only activity on
offer for the children. With the help of a dedicated team, Stephanie runs
parties, trips out and all manner of fundraising activities which includes all
children, no matter how severe their autism. In essence, the club has grown
over the past few years from a trampolining club into so much more, and I can
only be amazed at Stephanie’s endless energy and patience.
So please do pop over to
the Leaps and Bounds Facebook page and give it a ‘like’, I know Steph would be
really grateful. If ever an example is needed for the Big Society (remember
that?) in action, then surely this is one of the best.
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