The team had been running around desperately trying to reach every single person we support. It was important that we did “not let coronavirus get in the way of providing this service which acts as a vital lifeline to so many,” says CEO Daniel Cheesman. After 3 months of our world being turned upside down and getting to grips living with a pandemic, on July 22nd we received the sweetest gesture from 7-year old Henry Bateman.
Henry who lives with his family in Winterbourne had been growing plants throughout lockdown to keep busy. The talented gardeners they are, they produced plants galore! Henry decided they shouldn’t go to waste and people in his community could benefit, but it didn’t stop there! He thought even bigger than that and very generously asked his mum if he could sell the plants to raise funds for a charity.
“Which Charity or group would you like to help? Adults, children or animals?” asked his mum, Katie.
“Adults,” replied Henry.
How did he know about Paul’s Place? His mum had attended an event held by the Women’s Institute in Emerson’s Green. Pete, sports co-ordinator and support worker delivered a talk about Paul’s Place. Pete certainly left an impression on Katie. When Henry chose to support adults, he was told all about how Paul’s Place enhances life for physically disabled adults, providing social activities that connect people, reduce isolation, improve health and wellbeing and give people the opportunity to develop new skills, enjoy new experiences and live life to the full.
We have since written a personalised letter to Henry and been in contact, as Henry would love to meet some of the people he has helped.
When he heard that we would love to feature him on our social media and website, Katie tells us “he is bouncing off the walls, he’s so excited to be featured!”
“Henry, you have warmed the hearts of everyone at Paul’s Place and we cannot thank you enough,” says Clair, Fundraising and PR Manager.
These past 6 months have been the most incredibly isolating experience for the nation and if it wasn’t for organisations such as Paul’s Place this is the reality many disabled adults face on a daily basis. The restrictions we are facing during Covid-19 are an everyday reality for a world which has not been made accessible to all. This is why Paul’s Place seeks to empower those we support to try new things and experience all the amazing opportunities life has to offer.
Covid-19 has had a big impact on Paul’s Place ability to fundraise this year, but we are working hard to secure new funding, so we can continue to fund our essential services.
To support Paul’s Place by starting your own fundraiser, take a look at our Fundraising Pack or find out more here