We did it! Our lack of training and skills were more than compensated for by a fierce competitive spirit and we came in a very respectable fourth, after several intense heats (and a semi final!). It was the best day - we got to hang out together, feel the incredible spirit of Gympanzees and wear silly neon headbands (see pics). Only a few aches and pains afterwards and a residing feeling of a wonderful day for an amazing charity. GO GYMPANZEES!

And thank you all SO SO MUCH.

Gympanzees was established with a sole mission: to enable every child and young person with a disability to access regular play, exercise and friendship, to improve their physical and mental health and well-being, and to take their families out of isolation. They have fundraised for and secured their first building, in Bristol, the UK's first fully accessible exercise, play, and social centre for disabled children and young people. Now they need to raise £8 million to make the necessary renovations to open a purpose-built facility by June 2026 #ProjectHomeAppeal. And this is where we (and lots of others) come in.

A few stats to inspire your donation:

- 77% of disabled children in the UK can’t access regular leisure facilities.

- 92% of parents feel that their child with complex needs does not have the same opportunities to play as their non-disabled peers.

- 72% of parents with a disabled child suffer mental health issues as a result of isolation.

- 65% of families with disabled children report feeling isolated frequently or all of the time.

- Almost 9 out of 10 parents report some level of anxiety.

- Disabled children are twice as likely to be lonely compared to their non-disabled peers (72% vs 36%). They are more likely to feel they have no one to talk to, to feel left out, and to feel alone.

The Gympanzees Centre will host 200,000 visits from disabled children, young people and their families every year. It will be open 364 days, 7 days a week and will provide endless opportunities for health, happiness and support.

Please support Gympanzees in whatever way you feel you can. Thank you so much.

Emma, Steph, Sarah, Roni, Vey, Chris, Nick, Stephane, Tom, Andrew, Lissa