By Joseph Dexter
The Leus Family Foundation booked exclusive use of the venue for the Runnymede Special Needs Youth Club
Children from Runnymede Special Needs Youth Club, also known as Bright Lights, enjoyed exclusive use of Jump Giants trampoline park this month, thanks to additional funding from the Leus Family Foundationto enable the club members to enjoy trampolining in a safe environment.
Bright Lights club is for children aged 5-13 years with special needs in Runnymede and surrounding areas.
The children have disabilities ranging from autism, Asperger’s, Downs and moderate to severe learning difficulties, with some of them requiring one-to-one care.
Established in 1996, children with varying learning and physical disabilities can come to the Bright Lights every Thursday evening for two hours during term time.
The Leus Family Foundation is a long term supporter of Bright Lights and offered extra funding so that members could have exclusive use of the Jump Giants facilities.
Lucy O’Neill, the chair of Bright Lights, spoke of the positive impact the trampoline experience had on members. She said: “We are so grateful to the Leus Family Foundation for funding the trip to Jump Giants.
“The children absolutely loved it and so did their families. It was even more enjoyable for them to have Jump Giants to themselves. It was so lovely to see them all really happy and having so much fun.
“Photographing the fun was a struggle as the children did not keep still for more than one second!”
Dmitry Leus, the founder of the Leus Family Foundation, said: “Our Foundation was delighted to support Bright Lights in this way.
“I believe the pandemic has been extra tough for kids with special needs and their families, as they have felt the isolation and restriction on activities more acutely.
“It was simply wonderful to think of the Bright Lights club members bouncing on the trampolines and enjoying such a light-hearted experience in a safe environment. The happy faces in the photos say it all.
“We look forward to supporting Bright Lights throughout the year, as they do a fantastic job bringing support, learning and fun to those who really need it.”
Bright Lights provides a weekly programme for children who might have difficulty accessing other facilities within the local borough.
The base at Egham Orbit Leisure Centre enables the use of the soft play area, arts and crafts activities, books and toys from its toy library.
Bright Lights occasionally hold family and friends evenings when parents and carers can meet and discuss family matters.
The youth club is known for providing a vibrant programme that includes the use of the soft play area, crafts and outings. The children have enjoyed trips to places like the Isle of Wight, Disneyland Paris, Spain, Lapland UK, Paultons Park, Beale Park, and Legoland.