We’re very proud to be working with Brainwave as our charity of the year. We want to share a little about the great work that the charity does, as well as reflecting on one of the recent events and looking at what’s ahead in the fundraising calendar.
Brainwave achieves life-changing outcomes for children with disabilities and additional needs through its unique and innovative service provision. Its specialist team provides families with personalised, home-based therapy programmes – with the aim of helping each child unlock their full potential. This looks different for every child, whether it’s helping them achieve greater independence or to improve mobility or communication skills.
The charity’s CEO, Keith Sinclair, explains: “Our therapy programmes, which our highly skilled therapists empower families to deliver at home, are based on the principle of neuroplasticity. The aim is to help the brain find new pathways in the ‘neural network’ by providing regular repetition of newly acquired skills. This can cover physical, educational and social abilities.”
Brainwave therapists at a recent session with one of the children
Supporting children and families from all across the UK, Brainwave’s income is self-generated through its fundraising and charity shops. This means that raising funds is absolutely crucial to ensure families can access these vital services, and the charity has a varied calendar of events and activities to help in this.
Celebrating resilience and unlocking potential
Recently we attended one of these events in Manchester – a Tiffin luncheon hosted by popular
Indian restaurant ZoukTea Bar & Grill and held on World Down Syndrome Day, 21 March 2024. This included a panel discussion to highlight themes of resilience and opportunity, using sport to
provide a broader context and linking to Brainwave’s upcoming cycling challenge, with special guests from the Great Britain Cycling Team, Lauren Bell and Rhianna Parris-Smith.
Lauren Bell is a champion sprinter with six international medals whose first attempt at professional cycling didn't go the way she'd hoped. However, taking the learnings from her journey she went back
with a determination and conviction that has seen her become a double British champion and a cyclist of international renown, having won her first global medal at the 2022 UCI Track Cycling World Championships.
Track cyclist Rhianna Paris-Smith was introduced to cycling by her father and later pursued it through the junior talent pathways to become a champion, winning double gold at the under 18 European Track Cycling Championships. Rhianna went on to win a gold medal at the British Cycling National Track Championships in February this year at the Manchester Velodrome.
Both Lauren and Rhianna talked about the opportunities that had been available to help them reach their full potential. This insightful talk really highlighted some of the core values of Brainwave. It may not be about winning medals, but providing children with additional needs the opportunity to unlock their full potential is certainly the gold standard of the charity. The smiles on the faces of families and children that benefit are the trophies.
The Q&A was hosted by Dominic Walker from leading North West law firm JMW, who is also an announcer for Burnley FC in his spare time and has lent his voice to numerous FIFA games, keeping with the sports theme. All-in-all a lovely way to mark World Down Syndrome Day whilst raising essential funds. And we’re all rooting to see Lauren and Rhianna up there on those podiums!
Brainwave CEO Keith Sinclair, Rhianna Parris-Smith, Lauren Bell, Brainwave’s Joanne Freeman, JMW’s Dominic Walker
Fun and fundraising
So what’s next? Well, there’s a host of ways to get involved but we’ve picked out a few below.
Cycling challenge
If you’re inspired by Lauren and Rhianna, you’ll be glad to know you don’t have to be an international champion to take part in the Brussels to Amsterdam Cycle Challenge Event 2024, from 11 – 15 July 2024, to raise funds for Brainwave.
Starting in Brussels, this cycling adventure will take you through the charming cobblestone streets of Breda and the scenic coastline of The Hague before you finally reach the iconic windmills of Amsterdam. It promises to be an exhilarating 250-mile cycling experience, spanning over three days, so if you’d like to book a place, email the Brainwave team here.
Wellbeing event
On Saturday 22 June, Spice PR will be hosting a wellbeing morning in aid of Brainwave. Join us for yoga and a sound bath, followed by a talk on nutrition, plus tips from a life coach to put you in a perfect state of Zen – and all whilst raising those vital funds.
Register your interest here and follow our Instagram for more details.
The Emerald City Charity Ball
Brainwave’s annual ball will be hosted by the charity’s patrons, Emma and Julian Fellowes
– of Downton Abbey acclaim – at the stylish Mottram Hall Hotel in Cheshire. Keep your eye out for more news or buy tickets here.
And if you’d like to donate a prize for the raffle or auction to support this great cause, please reach out to us at team@spicepr.co.uk
Find out more about Brainwave’s work and other events at brainwave.org.uk