The coach was presented to Redburn School in front of the Royal Bank of Scotlands’s flasgship branch in Edinburgh by Linda Coull, in memory of her late husband Ian Coull.

The presentation saw children from Redburn School, many of whom have a range of complex learning difficulties, receive their new coach sponsored by Accessible Retail before enjoying a special lunch.

Redburn School provides education for 93 students, age range from 5 to 18, who have a wide range of complex learning and medical additional support needs including autism, muscular dystrophy and degenerative and life-limiting conditions. The new Sunshine Coach will replace their 11-year old minibus that finally reached the end of its useful life. The new coach will enable children to travel safely and explore the outside world, thus practising essential social and communication skills, encouraging their independence, enriching their quality of life and preparing them for adult life in the community.

Martin Burns, Deputy Headteacher at Redburn School said:

“Thanks to the generosity and support of both Accessible Retail and Variety, the Children`s Charity, the donation of a brand new minibus will make a huge difference to the day-to-day life of pupils in Redburn School. The bus will ensure pupils have safe access to services in their local community and will provide opportunities for pupils to engage in learning opportunities in meaningful contexts as they continue to develop their communication skills, social skills and strive towards becoming independent young adults. Without the minibus these learning experiences would not be possible.”

Accessible Retail have been fundraising for Variety for over 15 years and have funded 55 Sunshine Coaches in that time.