Help us send 16 cheerleaders with learning disabilities on the trip of a lifetime to compete in the 2014 championships in Paris

Hft – a national learning disability charity – has a cheerleading squad with a difference. The Jewels, who’ve been performing together since 2010, all have learning disabilities and are supported by Hft. This year they have qualified for Future Cheer – the 2014 championships, held in Paris – and we need your help to get them there.

It would make a lot of dreams come true if Hft could raise enough money to fund this trip. We need £20,000 to help pay for transport, accommodation, uniforms, medical care and one to one support for each performer.

“Being in The Jewels has been extraordinary and life-changing for my son. I am so proud of him. It has helped with his confidence and coordination and gives him a real sense of belonging.” Parent of Jewel

Learning to cheerlead has opened up new horizons for the members of The Jewels. Many have never travelled outside Yorkshire before, let alone competed at an international level. This really is a once in a lifetime experience for all of them and we would love to help them achieve this.

Jewel Lizzie puts it perfectly, “This is where my friends are. I get nervous but we all help each other. I love dressing up and dancing.”

Rehearsals are lively, to say the least – the enthusiasm of performers and parents is infectious: there is a real family atmosphere and fantastic team spirit.

The Jewels formed in 2010 and is supported by Hft and funded entirely by voluntary contributions by people like you. The project started as a way for local people with learning disabilities to be more active, but was such a success that staff decided to make it a permanent fixture. Training takes place every Tuesday at Panache Cheer studios in Bradford, with Hft staff members volunteering their time every week to support the Jewels as well as taking them to competitions.

Hft is a registered charity, with services all over England, supporting over 2,500 adults with learning disabilities to achieve greater independence and fulfilled lives.

Thank you for visiting our Justgiving page. This is the quickest and most efficient way of donating to The Jewels and keeps costs to a minimum for Hft. Please dig deep and give what you can for this amazing group of people.