Hi there friends.This will be my 8th & Declan's 5th GNR. Each year I say this will be the last one but we get such a buzz out of the experience...and the lovely Maria Hallet (fund-raiser extraordinaire) is very persuasive.

You know the reason we put ourselves through this every year. Our very special Niall, on return from Saudi in 2003 needed a special school to meet his needs. He had spent a year in the Learning Support Unit at the British School in Riyadh, where there were 4 children...and they couldn't take him back as they didn't have the experience to help. The family had repatriated and Eileen heard of Percy Hedley. She had done the rounds of local schools, mainstream and special needs; even taking a day trip to Farnborough to visit a specialist Autism School!

A one hour tour and chat with staff was enough to convince her that this was the best place for Niall. He started in September 2003 and in September will start his final year. So much has changed and a page here isn't enough to really get it across. Percy Hedley, an outstanding (yes, Ofsted said so on the last 2 visits) school adopts a holistic approach to education. " Percy Hedley School is a school that sets out to make a difference to the learning, wellbeing and future life chances of children with additional needs. Teachers, therapists and special support assistants work together in trans-disciplinary teams to meet the individual needs of every pupil. Together, we believe we can unlock each child’s potential and support achievement for all".(Thank you Dr Sue Fisher, Associate Director of Education I stole that from your intro as I couldn't have put it better).  Niall, with their help has learned to read, do basic maths, communicate effectively (he can hold a conversation, unlike all those years ago where it was such a struggle to get his needs across); he is learning independence skills, life skills and doing the Duke of Edinburgh award. He goes on residential visits and has made wonderful friends.

Niall's post education life chances will be the best they can be thanks to the absolutely outstanding staff who give their all for the benefit of each student. We were so lucky to find them and Niall has enjoyed every day of school. Doing the GNR has given me a way of showing my gratitude and making a difference to all the others Percy Hedley supports.

We don't stop at supporting by doing the run. Niall helps out each year at the hospitality tent with Eileen and Aisling and I am told that after a couple of hours all he wants is to see his dad and brother (we're not quick enough for him!). We get a fantastic welcome from fund-raisers Maria and Sheila, a much needed massage and food when we get there.

I set myself a goal a few years ago, to raise £10,000 for Percy Hedley and, as this is Niall's final year is the last opportunity for me to get there. Thanks to every single person who has dug deep, year after year. I cannot thank you enough. If I reach my target this year I, (and my team) will have crossed the finish line in more ways than one.

Take a look at the photos of Bradbury View, the residential facility which opened last month and the Hydrotherapy Pool, opened a few months ago. These cost in excess of £4,000,000. Niall has respite at Bradbury View which is a fantastic facility. This is something I'm proud to have been able to support, with your help.

Thanks again

Robbie & Declan

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.