Minibus gift will allow pupils in wheelchairs to get to educational activities

WHEELCHAIR users in Wales’ biggest secondary school will be able to get out and about more easily after a specially adapted minibus was donated by the Bingo Association.

Miles Baron, the Bingo Association’s chief executive handed over the keys of the minibus to Whitchurch High School head teacher Huw Jones-Williams during a special event at the school.

Mr Jones-Williams said: “It is a fantastic feeling to have the coach and we would like to give the Bingo Association and Variety our heartfelt thanks. They have changed our pupils’ lives for the better by giving them access to an outdoor education beyond the school boundaries.

“This is the only coach we have that will allow us to transport pupils who are wheelchair users to outdoor educational activities. In the past, to give pupils access to these activities we have had to borrow a bus from a local primary school, which has been difficult.”

Officially known as a Variety Sunshine Coach, the 17 seater vehicle with a tail lift, is the 20th donated by the Bingo Association in the last three years. The money was raised through fundraising by the bingo industry, their staff and customers.

Colleen Ettridge, head of fundraising at Variety, the Children’s Charity said: “We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the Bingo Association, its members and their customers. Variety Sunshine Coaches enable children and young people with special needs to get the most out of school life by accessing learning and recreational facilities outside of the school environment.”