Funds raised for special needs school
Supporters of a school for children with complex learning difficulties have got on their bikes to raise funds for additional life changing equipment.
Members of the Rotary Club of Bilston and Wolverhampton West held a 'bikeathon' at Bilston market for local Green Park School.
The School, located in Bilston, caters for children and young people aged between three and 19 years old with severe and complex learning difficulties.
A meeting of the Green Park voluntary committee decided to best support its pupils they would need to raise funds for more 'Eye Gaze' technology within the school.
Eye gaze or eye tracking is a way of accessing a computer or communication aid using a mouse that you control with your eyes, which enables a child who cannot communicate verbally an alternative method to converse and interact.
The Rotary Club set up the bikeathon in conjunction with the school to raise the £2500 needed for the life changing equipment.
Rotarians were joined by MPs Pat McFadden and Liam Byrne as well as local Councillors Linda Leach, Mak Singh and Phil Page as they cycled for up to five hours in collective time to raise the funds needed through sponsorship.
Councillor Beverley Momenabadi, who is also Bilston's youngest Rotarian, said: "This is the second successful bikeathon that our Rotary Club have hosted in Bilston and we were thrilled to be able to step in and peddle our way over the line to ensure Green Park get the funds needed for this important equipment."
Green Park School's head teacher, parents and staff were all on hand to shake buckets throughout the day and cycle to success.
Councillor Linda Leach, Bilston North, added: "It was a pleasure to able to support a local school in my ward who does such fantastic work to educate and provide children with disabilities the best start in life. I'd like to thank the sponsors who donated and everyone who cycled on the day."
Green Park School have already seen the difference that eye gaze technology can bring to pupil's learning as they already have lots of pupils successfully using Eye gaze technology across the school and another set of Eye Gaze equipment will mean more pupils can have access to this great resource.
Pat McFadden MP said: "This is such a fantastic cause and I was honoured to take part, the equipment we have raised funds for will allow children to have access to a great resource to allow them to communicate and develop. Well done to Bilston's Rotary Club, a truly wonderful day for a brilliant cause."
You can donate to the fundraiser online https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LindaLeach.
