Applefields is a specialist secondary school for students with additional needs. The school has applied for a new Sunshine Coach through Variety, the Children’s Charity.

Holly, Andy, and Hayley

While Sunshine Coaches are mostly funded by sponsors, including companies, trusts, foundations, and individuals, schools are asked to contribute a small percentage towards their coach. Hayley is taking on the 42 mile walk with her dad Andy (64), two brothers Dan (40) and Joe (33), and sister Holly (33), to help raise £10,000 towards the new coach. The remaining cost will be funded by a sponsor, once one is found, and the school.

Dan and Andy practicing the route

The family will set off at midnight on 29th June and are aiming to finish in 17 hours. Their friends and family will be at the finish line to greet them at 5pm on Saturday 29th June.

Hayley and Joe with Hayley’s daughters, Pippa and Clara, and Joe’s daughter, Indie

Hayley said:

We are all in training, although this is a personal challenge for me as I work at the school. A Sunshine Coach would make the world of difference to our students. They are incredible individuals, but are often held back by lack of accessibility. With a new minibus, we could take our kids on fun, exciting, and educational trips that they all deserve to experience.

My dad has just retired, and this is a challenge that he wanted to complete to kickstart his life as a free man!

Variety Challenge Events and Community Partnerships Manager, Sarah Phillips, said:

Our challenge event participants are extremely special to Variety. The work they put into their training and fundraising is nothing short of phenomenal. It’s an honour to be supporting Hayley. It’s been clear from the beginning how passionate she is about the school and the students she supports. We at Variety are delighted to support her in getting the school their new Sunshine Coach!

Donate to Hayley’s fundraiser