‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams’
Eleanor Roosevelt
Eight years ago, LimbBo was nothing but an idea, a dream, something to work towards.
On Thursday it came of age.
It’s no longer a start up charity, a small charity; it’s established! It has a huge array of supporters, families, volunteers and now has its own traditions and annual events.
Adam posted this morning and said he was ‘proud of what’s become of our small charity’ and was quickly corrected by Ben ‘Little charity? You are a worldwide phenomenon!’
He’s right!
LimbBo now has a community of supporters and followers who are spread worldwide.
We love it when parents share photos and so many this year had comparison photos like the ones below. The t shirts are loved collectors’ items and help people remember how many Adventure Days they have attended.
You will know from previous posts that our first event in 2018 had 28 attendees, yesterday it was nearer 700! The quote from Jaws springs to mind ‘We are going to need a bigger boat’ – well we needed a bigger ladder for the group photo. In fact, Kath our photographer (I’m scared of heights, but I’ll climb up there anyway!) had to take the photo from the climbing wall (just how we got that down the narrow drive… only Woody knows!). The photos show just how much LimbBo has grown.
It’s impossible to sum up Adventure Day in just one post but here are some soundbites and photos to give you a flavour.
The array of stalls and activities showed just how much support there is for our young people.
Children walking round clutching their new adaptations
Squeals of laughter from the taekwondo tent
Awe at holding an Olympic gold medal
Being completely covered in bubbles
Being eaten by a wolf in the Tipi with Eden of Stories Alive
Being able to play a musical instrument for the first time
The absolute shock on the young boy’s face watching Tilly’s prosthetic hand move across the table by itself.
Pushing themselves to get their best time on the obstacle course – run by our American friends from The Never Say Never Foundation
The constant question of ‘who has got Florence now?’
The wily fox encouraging children to distract the cooks whilst he stole a sausage
Children filling in the feedback cards – ‘Thank you for changing peoples’ minds’
An awesome cheque of £9,330 from Leah and Joe
Children running off and playing with friend then asking for help to spot their parents with the helpful comment of ‘Mum is wearing a red tshirt!’
New awards – celebrating what Glen Crossland and Thelma Walton showed us – volunteering, kindness and supporting others is so important.
The security men playing alongside our children throughout the day – their comment at the end ‘We’ve been totally humbled by these children’
Faces painted, new mittens from Canada (watch this space – exciting developments with Mimittens), and Darfield knitting club
Meeting your pen pal in person!
Support from our Local MP who is an ambassador for limbBo
Speaking to the mum who did a skydive for limbBo last week – when asked why she did it -‘my husband bought it me as a birthday present!’ She’s hoping for chocolates next year !!
Fairground stalls – the rubber duck rewards now prized possessions
A new medal to add to or start your collection
Sitting at the wheel of a police car with the blue lights flashing
Big Tommy and his new friend Bertie Bolt being such posers whenever a camera appeared.
LimbBo Merch Stall A short downpour of rain which Gary explained was just drizzle – if you want real rain you have to visit Scotland!
The cheers at the group photo of ‘Born Ready’ were deafening but such a joyous sound.
A big shout out to all our volunteers, organisations and other charities for supporting us. You gave your time, energy and whole hearts. You were all shattered at the end of the day but all of you went above and beyond. We truly couldn’t do this without you behind us. A special mention to Dale, Sandra and all at Cawthorne cricket club for their continued support and use of their stunning venue. Thank you to all of you.
Team LimbBo is a family, and this was clearly displayed yesterday. Our ‘veterans’ helping ‘newbies’ Our children breathing a sigh of relief when they arrived.
‘Really hits home how important these days are for the kids, when one of the first things ‘J’ did when we got there was let out a big sigh and say ‘I love being able to just walk somewhere and know that no one is about to ask me what happened to my arm’
‘It’s the only time our son goes out and doesn’t try to cover up his little arm and constantly has a smile on his face’
No one hides their difference on LimbBo days!
To the new parents who said ‘It filled us with hope and reassurance after a stressful and worrying 6 weeks’ we see you and you aren’t on your own.
‘The world is difficult enough for people to navigate as it is without a physical difference adding to it. These days allow hundreds of children to be free and without judgement, always.’
If this was your first event we hope you realise you are now part of a proud family who might only have big meet ups 3 times a year but the support is there online, mini meets and local groups are developing and there is always someone who has been where you are now – whatever stage that is remember these children were ‘Born Ready’ and they will always be supported by #TeamlimbBo
