Gympanzees is excited to announce that we have received a £1 million pledge from the John James Bristol Foundation for our Project Home Appeal.
This incredibly generous pledge has propelled Gympanzees fundraising to £3.9 million, edging closer to the £8 million needed to complete the renovations essential to open this one-of-a-kind centre.
The plans for the centre were created in collaboration with the families that use Gympanzees. The designs feature 10 activity rooms and spaces with world-class disability equipment.
The John James Bristol Foundation is a grant-making trust established through the philanthropy of John James, a Bristolian who, despite facing hardships in his early life, was extremely successful in business and determined to give back to the City.
The Foundation supports initiatives that enhance the lives of Bristol residents, focusing on areas such as education, health, and the elderly.
Nicola Prosser, CEO of the John James Bristol Foundation, said, “We are delighted to support Gympanzees with their building costs for this unique centre, knowing this will help hundreds of thousands of disabled children and young people from Bristol and beyond access much-needed exercise, play, and sensory experiences.”
Stephanie Wheen, CEO and Founder of Gympanzees, said, “We are thrilled to share this momentous step forward in our fundraising towards our capital appeal and would like to express our deepest gratitude to the John James Bristol Foundation for their support. This pledge will help enormously towards the strip out and redevelopment of the building, delivering a world-class facility, the first of its kind in the UK.”
Gemma, from Bristol, who brings her son Beau to Gympanzees Pop Up sessions, said, “Gympanzees is needed because there is such a lack of provision for children with additional needs, especially having somewhere that is focused on being fun and active, not just medical needs or development. As a parent, I’m constantly anxious, watching out for other people’s looks. At Gympanzees, I don’t need to worry about that, everyone gets it, and Beau can be himself.”
There are currently 1.5 million disabled children in the UK, and 90,000 within an hour of Bristol. Once open, Gympanzees expect over 200,000 visits from disabled children, young people and their families every year.
Project Home Appeal
I am so pleased about this incredible donation. It makes the fund almost half way to proving vital support for our families with disabilities. We always use the pop ups in the holidays, my grandson Lowan has been enjoying them for several years and now support them monthly.
Hi Susan!
Thank you so much for your kind words and for being our Friend! We’re really looking forward to welcoming you and Lowan to Gympanzees permanent home very soon!