A 31-year-old man from Bratton has organised his first event as part of a five-year campaign to help a specialist school raise £2.4m for a hydro swimming pool and early learning centre.
Radek Evans, 31, from Carpenters Lane,who has previously raised money for Hope Nature Centre in Southwick, and Dorothy House Hospice in Winsley, is planning a series of events in aid of St Rose’s specialist school in Stroud – kicking off with a folk festival in his home village on Saturday.
St Rose’s is a residential and day specialist school for children aged between two and 18 with physical disabilities and associated difficulties.
The school holds a special place in Mr Radek’s heart because his five-year-old niece, Gemma Bullock, attends the school.
She has a rare disease called Aicardi syndrome, which means she cannot crawl, walk or speak.
Mr Radek said: “My niece loves the school but she needs to exercise in a hydro pool to improve her strength – she’s five but looks like a two-year-old because she’s so small.
“At the moment the pupils have to go to another specialist school in Cirencester, which is about 40 minutes away.
“It’s a lot of hassle for them to travel there and get the children changed, it cuts short their time in the pool and they need at least an hour a week. They probably only get 20 minutes in the pool which isn’t enough and not all of the children can get on the bus because of their wheelchairs etc…
“If they build a swimming pool at the school all the children will be able to swim everyday, which will improve their mobility.”
Mr Evans has organised his first event, Saint Roses folk day, which will take place on Saturday at Bratton Jubilee Hall between 1.30pm and 10.30pm.
Music will come from the likes of Westbury artist Leander Morales and ceilidh band Arcadia.
Tickets can be purchased from Trowbridge Information Centre in St Stephen’s Place on the door.
Adults are £15 and children aged 16 or under can get in for free.
The event will also include a variety of stalls, a barbecue and bar.
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