91Èȱ¬

There are currently over 150 Phab clubs in England and Wales for children, young people and adults with disabilities – all providing social activities and friendship for 8,000 members – and with the same aim of making more of life together. Phab is not just for those with a physical, learning, or sensory disability but also for those without - whether friends, siblings or family members.

Our inclusive residential projects follow the same philosophy - most of the children and young people attending have a disability, often complex, but Phab also welcomes children who are disadvantaged in some other way having suffered a family bereavement, tragedy or a trauma in their recent lives. Our new Family Weekends include parents and carers too.

Since 1957 Phab has created opportunities for over 4,000 children with various disabilities not only to explore their horizons and have fun but importantly to increase their independence and self-esteem. ÌýPurpose built accessible accommodation and specialist tuition means that to be affordable to families, the costs must be heavily subsidised and sadly Phab can offer places to only half the number of those who apply. With increased funding, we can enable even more children to make more of life together through Phab.

I am so pleased to be presenting this appeal on behalf of the charity Phab which is very special to me.

I felt honoured when Phab asked me to become their President two years’ ago and I have seen at first hand the tremendous difference that being part of this wonderful Phab family has made to the lives of children and adults who are both disabled and non-disabled.

Phab works in a fully inclusive way, supporting social clubs and organising their amazing Phabkids residential projects to provide exciting and challenging activities which are accessible to everyone regardless of ability.

Phab’s aim is very straightforward – to give children, young people and adults with disabilities the same opportunities as everyone else – breaking down barriers, reducing social isolation and building friendships, all whilst having great fun together!

The extra funds raised from this appeal will ensure that Phab can provide the best possible support to Phab Clubs, including development of new ones, and the best possible experiences on our residential holiday projects for children and young people.

Caitlin has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair to get around. She became a member of Southport Junior Phab aged 8.Ìý Belonging to Phab offered her the opportunity, not only to make lots of friends, but also to take part in a wide selection of sporting activities including her favourite - swimming - in which she has excelled, winning many awards.

After gaining confidence at her Phab Club, Caitlin felt ready to tackle more challenges and, aged 11, spent a week at one of Phab’s very special Phabkids residential holidays in the Lake District where children and young people (both disabled and non-disabled) are encouraged and carefully supported to take part in a wide range of exciting outdoor pursuits.Ìý A couple of years later she decided to try a similar project in the New Forest which was much further away from home and her family but hugely increased her sense of independence, and last year at Avon Tyrrell she was joined by her brother, Cameron. Caitlin has huge energy and enthusiasm for everything she undertakes and Phab helps her to enjoy so much more of life.

I joined Phab after a severe and life changing neurological illness when I was 25. I spent eleven months in hospital and went from being very active to being in a wheelchair not able to move from my chest down, tube fed and totally dependent on everyone. I lost lots of things in life including confidence.

Someone suggested I went to Phab to meet new friends, I did and I have been going for the last nine years. Phab means everything to me and it has given me a huge part of my life back, it’s given me true unconditional friends, lots of fun, endless adventures, laughter, and I have learned how to adapt and have fun with my life as it is now. It’s also shown me what there is to still achieve. Last year I was pulled up the 02 building to raise money for Phab, I have also been to the House of Lords for an award and met Anita Dobson and lots of great people. I feel safe, valued, equal and excited about what I will be doing next with Phab.