Hi, I'm Phil and together with Mick, Damon, Berty, Paul and Rob, we are cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats (1000 miles) to fundraise for two causes linked by one amazing boy; who I am proud to call my nephew, Charlie Boy!
Charlie has the most contagious laughter, he is a smart, complex and cheeky 9 year old, who lives with a challenging disability, clinically diagnosed as Angelman Syndrome. Go ahead, Google it..it won't capture who he is, but it will list an inventory of limitations and constraints that he is constantly striving to smash through.
One of the many challenges that Charlie and his family face, is that he needs to use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) as he does not have functional speech. Giving Charlie access to a voice has been life-changing, but it has been a formidable task, with further barriers to overcome.
Based on existing communication programmes in Australia and the US, the fundraising from this event will enable us to implement a unique UK learning experience for children with complex communication and learning needs, enabling more children like Charlie to have a voice.
Our objective is to improve the use, awareness and capability of those using communication devices, by delivering training events for families and educators, providing them with the relevant knowledge and skills, support and opportunities for children learning to use AAC. This will be an ongoing programme, continually developing and evolving to make a huge difference.
So..the second cause is a personal one. Having recently been on an action packed holiday with the Whichers, we hired a disability bike for Charlie. To say he enjoyed it is an understatement. Constant laughter, shouts of "more" and "again" bellowing out from the front passenger seat throughout the holiday made my mind up, he has to have one. Sadly, as with anything 'specialist' the price comes at a premium, however, that said a refurbished model is attainable with your help!