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On October 11th I will be climbing the O2 arena in London to help raise awareness and funds for vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people to access sports across Berkshire and Hampshire, as a part of Spotlight UK's Sports Academy. 

Spotlight UK is a charity that holds a special place in my heart. Having volunteered with them during the Covid-19 period, helping package and distribute food parcels to the elderly and disadvantaged, I came to realise that this was only a small part of the incredible work they do for children and families. 

They work with vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people to help build confidence, self-esteem and resilience. The work Spotlight UK carries out involves working with the most deprived children, including those who: are young carers, in care, have experience domestic abuse, are victims of neglect, disengaged with school, have parents in prison, have parents who engage in substance abuse and so on. Such children are referred to Spotlight by GPs, mental health professionals, children's services and schools.

The current project that the charity are working on involves getting these vulnerable children and young people involved in Spotlight UK's Sports Academy.  The sports include football, floorball, dodgeball, rounders and multi sports. These sports sessions are key in improving children's confidence, self-esteem and resilience whilst in a safe and supportive environment. It allows for them to engage in outdoor activities each week which they may not otherwise have the opportunity to do, giving them a release from their usual, daily difficulties in life. 

Just £3 allows for a vulnerable or disadvantaged child or young person to be involved in a sporting activity for 1 week, with £117 covering the cost of a child to play every week for 1 year (39 weeks). Our aim is to raise enough money to sponsor a number of sessions across Berkshire and Hampshire so Spotlight UK can offer free places to deprived children that are referred to them.

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