As part of our Christmas Crowdfunder, we spoke to Claire, who has regularly visited Gympanzees Pop Up play centres with her son Teddy. Claire talked about her introduction to Gympanzees, our plans for a permanent facility and why people should get involved in supporting Gympanzees this Christmas.
My name is Claire, and my son is Teddy; he is aged eight and has cerebral palsy. We first heard of Gympanzees a few years ago when Stephanie Wheen, the founder, was first thinking of the idea, she reached out to families, and we offered to help as part of her research. I remember thinking at the time, ‘this is an amazing idea but will take so long to achieve’. What Steph and the Gympanzees team have already achieved in such a short time is incredible, and we are so excited for the main centre.
Gympanzees has made us feel like we’re not alone, and it’s made us realise there are so many other families like us. It’s been such a relief to have somewhere to take Teddy where he can have a lot of fun and develop his strength and skills.
From the start, I just knew it was a great place for Teddy because every child, no matter their disability, really needs exercise and fun. They need a friendly, non-judgemental space with specialist equipment, and that’s Gympanzees. He’s developed so much from the first visit purely because of the atmosphere, the equipment, and the enjoyment that he gets from going.
The Lending Library has been so valuable during the pandemic. It was such a shame not to go to Gympanzees but having the equipment available to borrow meant Teddy could continue using the fantastic kit, which is usually at the Pop Ups and build his strength at home.
When the Gympanzees main centre is launched, it will be life-changing. It will be a safe space for us and so many other families. All children deserve access to fun and fitness with the right equipment, somewhere they feel comfortable. The Gympanzees centre would help so many families like ours.
I want to encourage everyone to get behind Gympanzees Christmas Crowdfunder and help them with their next steps to securing a permanent centre. It will change the lives of so many children and families.
