New opportunities are opening up for Wigan special educational needs pupils after they took delivery of a new minibus.

A marathon fund-raising effort from staff, pupils and parents over recent months, coupled with generous help from the Kentown Wizard Foundation means Hope School at Marus Bridge can take more of its youngsters, some of whom have severe disabilities, out to enjoy all kinds of experiences that others might take for granted.

Various money-spinning events took place over the past 18 months, mainly organised by staff member Sarah Paton, to reach their £19,500contribution to the target.

But they were still some way off until parent Gareth Gillard came in with a cheque for £6,200 raised by running the Manchester Half-Marathon with several relatives.

After much charity work and donations, Hope School and College has a much-needed second minibus made possible by The Kentown Wizard Foundation and fund-raising of staff, parents and pupils

placeholder image — After much charity work and donations, Hope School and College has a much-needed second minibus made possible by The Kentown Wizard Foundation and fund-raising of staff, parents and pupils

Assistant headteacher Jim Fox said: “The idea is to get children accessing the local community in a more inclusive fashion, we can go on trips and make everyday sporting activities more accessible.

"We can get children off-site to bespoke places relating to their interests, we can take wheelchairs because we’ve got a wheelchair ramp, we can take seats off so children who can have experiences out in the community that they otherwise would not be able to enjoy.”

Mr Fox paid particular tribute to the Kentown Wizard Foundation, saying they would have struggled to raise enough funds without it and it had proved “pivotal in bringing our vision to life.”

He added: “We are really grateful for this and the students are really excited to get to these different places they have earmarked.

Hope School and College's smart new vehicles

"There are so many more opportunities now available.”

Head of Key Stage 4 and PE teacher Mrs Paton said: “It has been a real team effort. We needed to raise £19,500 towards the total. It started with £4,000 from a danceathon, then we got a Tesco gold grant of £5,000 and won more than £1,000 from the Asda Cash Pot for Schools.

"Another £2,000 came from a bike-related sports event at school called Tour de Hope and then Gareth took us beyond the total with his run money.

"I had applied for help from Variety Sunshine Coaches and they found a sponsor in Kentown Wizard Foundation who provided the rest of the money for the minibus which cost £58,000 in total.”