Our Benny Bear New Year Balloon Race, sponsored by Larkfleet Homes and Allison Homes, will raise precious funds to support over 1,300 children aged 0-8 years. Most of our children are born severely disabled and during childhood will go through multiple surgical procedures aimed at giving them a better quality of life. During these stressful, sometimes life threatening, times we support them and their families in every way we can.

Many children will be paralysed from the waist down and up to 90% have brain injuries through hydrocephalus. Our work might ensure, for example, that they have the right wheelchair to suit their needs and are able to meet other children in similar situations to share their experiences. Health experts are also available to offer support practically and emotionally to the child and their family, and we organise various events throughout the year to bring our members together.

We also offer the children free membership of the Benny Bear Club. Benny is Shine’s mascot and a bear who himself has hydrocephalus. Our children love the idea of a bear just like them. Members of his Club receive a certificate and replica cuddly bear upon joining and are kept up to date with Benny’s adventures via Benny’s Blog (www.bennysblog.co.uk). Benny also produces books about his stays in hospital and day- to-day school life, which our children can relate to.