A group from Lily’s Place took on a sponsored walk from Boscombe Pier to Bournemouth Pier and back again to fundraise for a new bus for days out at the children’s respite home in Poole. 

Lily’s Place supports children and young people with complex physical and/or learning disabilities, offering overnight and short breaks during the week, at weekends and during the school holidays. A new bus would enable these children to get out and explore the local area, as well as take trips further afield. 

Staff and families from Lily’s Place took part in the sponsored walk raising £400 towards the new bus, bringing the total raised to just over £7,000 of the £20,000 needed for the new bus. 

Hannah Coakley, Children’s Team Manager at Diverse Abilities, commented: “It was great to get staff and families together to take on this challenge to raise money for a much-needed bus for Lily’s Place. Feedback from members of the public during the walk was really positive, and it was a great way to spread the word about our fundraising mission”. 

Natalie Corrini, mum of George who attends Lily’s Place, commented: “A bus at Lily’s Place will enable George to go out and about in the community whilst he is at Lily’s Place. George doesn’t like being inside for too long as it can make him feel trapped. Going out gives him the sense of freedom where he is able to see and touch the world around him from his wheelchair. George has limited mobility and uses very few words, but he uses his loud voice to say “Hello” when he sees people”. 

Find out more about Lily’s Place and the support offered to children and families with disabilities at diverseabilities.org.uk/lilys-place. 

Donations for the new bus can be made at justgiving.com/page/lilysplacebus.