Treloar’s students shine at Mansion House Fundraiser

Treloar’s students Sally and Toby, and former student Leo, took centre stage at the Annual Gala Dinner on 17 September, talking to the enthralled audience about what makes Treloar’s special to them, and the impact of the new accessible Outdoor Learning Centre the event was fundraising for.

The sumptuous Egyptian Hall at Mansion House in London was full of supporters and City Livery dignitaries all raising vital funds for children and young people with complex physical disabilities who learn at Treloar’s or live in the surrounding community. Hosted this year by Alderman Sir Andrew Parmley on behalf of Alderman Peter Estlin, The Right Hon The Lord Mayor of the City of London, the evening raised an outstanding £73,000 which will be used to fund the development of the new community Outdoor Learning Centre project that will be completely accessible for people with disabilities.

Former Treloar College student Leo opened proceedings with a music video of his cover version of Bob Dylan’s “Make you feel my love”, recorded using his assisted communication device.   Sir Andrew then welcomed guests, spoke fondly of his visits to Treloar’s and stated that the funds raised at the evening for the accessible Outdoor Learning Centre will “open-up the Treloar’s Campus, providing real world job experience for students and encouraging young people to spend more time outdoors, benefitting their health and wellbeing”.

Before dinner, Treloar’s students Sally and Toby took to the stage with Treloar’s Chief Executive Jessica Taplin to discuss what Treloar’s meant to them. In particular Sally talked about how she was looking forward to welcoming the wider community to the new Outdoor Learning Centre and how she is “not disabled by my condition but by the society and environment around me.” This heartfelt insight into Treloar’s spurred guests’ generosity to make the evening such a success. Work will now be able to commence on the first stage of the new Outdoor Learning Centre.

Thank you to everyone who attended, donated prizes, and made it such a memorable evening.