Paralympian Daniel Bentley and Gerry Gould from Brainwave

Brainwave Birthday Cake

Brainwave, a Paralympian and a Cricket Report

The charity Brainwave is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year. I was very pleased to be invited to a fundraising event at Essex Cricket ground, Chelmsford to celebrate.

Brainwave’s commitment is to bring measurable improvements to the lives of children with physical, sensory, learning, cognitive and behavioural ‘additional needs’ caused by Cerebral Palsy, genetic conditions, Autism and Developmental Delay.

The Charity now impacts on the lives of over 550 children with disabilities and special needs from throughout the UK and Ireland. www.brainwave.org.uk

We were honoured with the presence of Daniel Bentley a Paralympic Boccia Player from Uttlesford. Dan won gold in Beijing 2008 and was very keen to meet people and share his recent experience in the London 2012 Olympics, where he won Bronze.

For all you Cricket fans, I apologise. There was lots of meeting new people, fundraising and general chat but I must confess, not much watching of cricket going on. So, even if I could understand the great game, I could not report on how the players played.

Instead, I will report that I met some of the friendliest, most welcoming and sociable people I have met for a long time. The team of workers from Brainwave, headed up by South East Community Fundraiser, Gerry Gould, did a fantastic job and kept everyone happy.

I admire people like Gerry and her team who give their time and effort so willingly. Not all of us have the direct involvement with charities but we can all do our bit. I don’t mean giving fortunes but every little adds up and helps. It was a great day and a pleasure to support a great charity.

I sincerely hope to be invited to future Brainwave fundraising events.

Paul Hoskin