Twenty grassroots sports clubs have been given a funding boost by Fibrus’s Play It Forward Fund – including Riding for the Disabled which gives so much joy to youngsters with special needs.
The scheme provides grants of up to £1,000 to help children’s sports clubs to buy equipment, kits or improve facilities.
Now in its third year, the Play it Forward Fund has contributed £150,000 to clubs across Northern Ireland and Cumbria since 2023, championing a wide range of sports from football to roller hockey and promoting health and wellbeing.
Among the 20 clubs helped in Cumbria is Carlisle Riding for the Disabled based at Blackdyke Riding School.
The group, which is part of a national charity and dependent on volunteers, has been providing riding lessons to disabled children and adults in the area since 1972, and currently looks after 24 children aged under 11 and 22 aged 12 to 17.
Riding is a fun social activity for the children and helps to improve balance, co-ordination, muscle development and self-confidence. It can also help with challenging behaviour problems by giving them a sense of independence.
Its equipment gets heavy wear over the years and can be damaged or contaminated. Fibrus’s £1,000 grant will be used to replace gear that ensures the children can ride safely and also items that allow fun sessions which help them to develop their skills and confidence.
Mija Tinning, from Currock, Carlisle, who is nonverbal, looks forward to coming riding each week. Mum Chelsea Gawthrop said: “Mija’s been coming for over two years now and it’s really helped her speech and confidence.”
Twelve-year-old Josh Graham, who lives just outside Eaglesfield near Annan, said: “I’ve been coming here for over seven years and I absolutely love it. Riding helps keep me fit and helps build up muscles I wouldn’t normally use.
“I’ve ridden Toby for those seven years. I love riding Toby, he’s a very special horse. I’ve taken part in the national championship three times now and finished third in the countryside challenge event on two occasions.”
Leanne Dobson, from the Riding School for the Disabled, said: “What we do here is very special so we’re hugely grateful to Fibrus for their generous support. Thank you.”
The 20 Cumbrian clubs benefitting from the fund also include Aspatria Football Club, Carlisle Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling Club, Flimby Vikings ARLFC, Penrith Canoe Club and Carlisle Trampoline Club.
Linda McMillan, Chief People Officer at Fibrus, said: “We are committed to playing a role in improving the health and wellbeing of children and young people, so investing in local communities is very important to us.
“Our Play It Forward Fund is just one way we try to give back to the communities which we serve. I’m thrilled that it has continued into its third year, and it’s been great to see the positive impact it has made on clubs across the region.”
To find out more, visit the Fibrus Play It Forward Fund
