North Devon children’s charity celebrates National Lottery grant

A North Devon charity has received a massive boost thanks to a National Lottery grant which will help it to expand its work providing physiotherapy and hydrotherapy for children with physical disabilities and mobility challenges.

The Penguin Sports Foundation has been awarded a £20,000 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund that will enable it to help more children across the region take part in sports and activities.

The charity was founded in 2022 and says the grant will play a pivotal role in being able to extend its work.

The funding will mean director Gemma Rous can dedicate one day per week to the charity, a big help as she has previously volunteered her time while managing her full-time role as a children’s physiotherapist.

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The money will also help sustain the Penguin Club, which offers hydrotherapy sessions designed to improve mobility, confidence and social interaction for children and young people.

Gemma said: “We are overjoyed that the National Lottery has recognised the impact of our work.

“This funding comes at a critical time as it will allow us to build our infrastructure, develop new programs and reach more families who face barriers to participating in mainstream sports and activities due to a disability.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to play, move and grow and this grant moves us closer to that goal.”

The Penguin Sports Foundation was created after Gemma became frustrated with the lack of accessible services available to families in rural areas like North Devon.

The charity was intended to fill that gap and provide essential support to children who might otherwise miss out on physical activity.

Above: One of the hydrotherapy sessions provided by the Penguin Sports Foundation to help children and young people with physical disabilities improve their mobility. Credit: Penguin Sports Foundation

In addition to its hydrotherapy sessions, the charity has partnered with North Devon Athletics Club to offer weekly frame-running sessions at Braunton’s track.

This initiative gives children the opportunity to run alongside their siblings and parents, often for the first time.

The charity has also launched an Adaptive Sports Programme for schools, featuring specialised equipment like sports wheelchairs, soft javelins and mini hurdles, enabling children to engage in physical activity at their own pace.

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Brenda Pedroni, chair of trustees, added: “We are incredibly thankful to the National Lottery Community Fund for their support.

“This grant will make a lasting difference to the children and families we serve and we’re excited to move forward with our plans to expand and enhance our offerings.”

You can find out more about the work of the Penguin Sports Foundation at www.thepenguinsportsfoundation.co.uk