Blackpool-based Park Community Academy, an OFSTED Outstanding school for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, known for promoting democracy, liberty, respect and tolerance, have become the latest recipient of a brand-new Sunshine Coach, from Variety, the Children’s Charity and thanks to the generous support of the North West Props Awards 2023.

The town’s most famous family, The Nolans ( Denise and Maureen Nolan ), famed for their iconic music career, selling over 30 million records worldwide, had the honour of unveiling the minibus in a special ceremony held at the school – on the day of what would’ve been their late sister Bernie’s 64th birthday. Bernie passed away from secondary breast cancer, the same disease Linda has been living with since 2017 and has spread to her hip, liver and more recently, her brain.

The Sunshine Coach was formally presented to Mrs. Fielder, Chair of Governors, and Mrs. Gill Hughes, the Headteacher, alongside the school’s Head Pupils. The coach will provide essential transport for the students, enabling them to take part in offsite activities such as educational trips, residentials, sports events, choir and band practice, work experience and more.

The event was a vibrant celebration, featuring performances by the Park Community Academy Choir, Band and Cheerleaders. Their lively and heartfelt performances set the tone for a joyous occasion, showcasing the immense talent and enthusiasm of the students.

Mrs. Susan Fielder delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing the school’s deep appreciation:

This new Sunshine Coach is going to open up countless opportunities for our students, allowing them to access enriching activities and develop essential life skills. We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved in making this possible.

The Nolans expressed their own delight, saying,

It was a huge honour to unveil this Sunshine Coach, especially during Variety’s 75th birthday year and on our sister Bernie’s birthday. Bernie always wanted to give back and support local projects, so this was a lovely way to celebrate her. We loved meeting the students and staff of Park Community Academy, and it was truly special to see how much joy this coach will bring to young people in the place we’ve called home for over 50 years.

Headteacher Mrs. Hughes added,

We are thrilled with our new Sunshine Coach! It will enable us to further enrich our curriculum and offer even more learning experiences for our students, supporting them as they grow in independence and develop key life skills within the community.

Lyn Staunton, Development Director at Variety, concluded by acknowledging the generosity of all those who made the coach possible through the North West Props Awards 2023.

This Sunshine Coach will bring miles of smiles to Park Community Academy for many years to come.