A Derbyshire science company is helping put smiles on the faces of Derby children with complex needs, by supporting them to enjoy a grand day out by the seaside.
Science company Lubrizol, whose UK headquarters is based at Hazelwood near Belper, has helped pay for 60 children and 17 carers from a Derby special school to enjoy a day out in Skegness, arranged by Happy Days Children’s Charity.
Founded by three mums in 1992, Happy Days pays for special days and holidays for children in the UK who are living with mental, physical and emotional challenges.
It helps nearly 25,000 children with additional needs each year.
Rob Cox, fundraising and marketing manager for the charity, said: “Days out like this give children a chance to have fun, but also it’s a really important opportunity for them to get out of their normal environment, use social skills and have contact with people they may have never met before. Things like buying an ice cream can be a big deal for them.”
Happy Days organises and funds a wide range of activities for the thousands of children it supports, including trips to the seaside, theatres, zoos, museums, outdoor activity centres, sporting events and other educational and cultural activities.
The charity receives no government funding and relies entirely on support from companies like Lubrizol and an army of volunteers.
Rob said: “Some parents don’t have the finances even to afford a simple day trip, especially with the cost of living situation we’re now seeing. One reason we’re able to do this is the access to all of the doctors, nurses and support staff who give up their time to accompany children on their trips.
“We have thousands of volunteers all over the country. As we receive no government funding, we’re 100 per cent reliant on the generosity of companies like Lubrizol to fund our activities – thank you to each and every one of them.”
Tom Grazier, co-chair of Lubrizol’s charities and communities committee which provided funding towards the Happy Days Skegness trip, said: “It’s very important to us at Lubrizol that we give back to the communities where we work. We do this not only by giving up voluntary time but also in making financial contributions to good causes we come across.
“It’s great to know that we’ll be supporting what looks to be a great day out by the seaside for 60 children and their carers. This particular charity really spoke to us as it was clear what great work it does. We hope that everyone from Derby going on this trip has a fantastic time in Skegness!”
