21st April - 4th May 2023

I’m supporting SASWT as they bring HOPE to young people in Southport, Formby and the surrounding areas. Today young people face many challenges; schools do a fantastic job of support, although they are overstretched.

SASWT go into schools and bring HOPE to children through presenting assemblies covering various topics such as Bullying, Getting On and Falling Out, and Achieving Goals. They offer three yearly presentations to the primary schools about Christmas and Easter and one for Year 6 children moving into high school.

The SASWT create a safe time and place in local secondary schools to explore the significant issues of life and faith. This is weekly through being a presence at lunchtimes, through the ‘Safe Space’ lunchtime drop-ins, with games, discussion, a ‘Three Minute Thought’ and online engagement.

Bringing HOPE to future generations is so important. I’m grateful that my Dad’s generation did just this. On D-Day in 1944, he landed with the 5th Batallion Kings (Liverpool Regiment) on Sword Beach in Normandy; during 1945, he became part of T-Force, and in May 1945, he celebrated VE Day in Denmark. Even today, the Danes mark the end of WW2 by placing candles in their windows, symbolising the light returning to their nation after years of darkness. So on the 21st of April, I’ll set out to cycle his journey from D-Day to VE Day, covering 871 miles from Sword Beach to Kolding in Denmark, 78 years after he did. In my small way of supporting SASWT, I’m seeking to bring HOPE to the next generation. In anticipation, thank you for your support as we bring HOPE to future generations.

You can follow my blog at https://southportmethodist.org.uk/patrick/

You can find out more about the work of the SASW Trust at https://saswtrust.com/