The quote “If you build it, they will come” is from the 1989 movie Field of Dreams. ( It’s a misquote as the actual line in the film is, “If you build it, he will come.”) It’s a phrase often used to suggest that if you create something of value or importance, people will naturally be drawn to it.
This quote has been buzzing around my head since our 6th Adventure Day a couple of days ago.
As you know we formed LimbBo following the birth of Tommy D. We felt that we had nowhere to turn and didn’t know what his future would hold. By the time he was 4 we knew that he was an awesome little boy who did everything his own way. If only we’d known then what we know now…if only expectant parents and new parents knew that there was a family ready to scoop them up and support them. Well, we built it and on Thursday ‘they came’ – all 650 of ‘them!’ The LimbBo family is loud, proud, happy and supportive. It might be chaotic and messy at times, but the joy of Adventure Day is summed up in the feedback we’ve had from families. Talk of finding their tribe and a sense of belonging was a familiar thread.
The overriding comment was the idea of a safe space. Yes, the Cricket Club at Cawthorne is a safe space physically, but more importantly it’s a safe space emotionally. ‘We were brought to tears when ‘L’ said she felt normal today and loved seeing so many other young people like herself’
No one hides their limb difference at Adventure Day, no one stares, no one comments and for the first time in their lives our limb different children are in the majority. I’m not sure of the actual figure but it was at 128 limb different children on our ticket list.
Comments like ‘The smile on her face meeting other children with limb differences is something I will forever cherish’. As parents you obviously want the best for your children, as grandparents you want to support your own children and your grandchildren. When we say family, we mean the whole family. Many grandparents took on the role of volunteers and are such a key part of our extended family.
Yes, it rained in the afternoon, yes Katie hid her car in the trees behind the club house to avoid the walk to the overflow carpark. People did panic when Woody announced the bike we had been raffling all day had been stolen (Tommy was mortified until I told him the secret of why it had been ‘stolen’) – cue Toby Tyke (Barnsley FC’s mascot) riding onto the cricket field said bike and with Big Tommy following close behind! Yes, Woody won the bike (made by Mason Clarke and his friend Nathan) no it wasn’t a fix but Toby Tyke said he couldn’t have it, and we redrew the raffle!
We couldn’t do this event without people who support us all year round as well as on the day. Bapp for Bolts have been with LimbBo since we started and there literally wouldn’t be the limbBo you know today without them. Rumour has it that Big Tommy will have Bertie Bolt as a companion next year. Dere Street Barristers, Cawthorne Cricket club, The National Lottery Community Fund, The Keel Inn, J Harris Motor Bodies, Fletcher’s solicitors, Premdor Masonite Doors, Stainborough Rotary Club, Cannon Hall Farm, Horizon CC and the many parents and schools who have raised funds for us throughout the year. My apologies if I’ve missed anyone but every fundraising event makes a real difference to our work and we couldn’t do it without you.
The trustees, youth ambassadors and volunteers all worked so hard to put this day together but our reward is on the day we get to see excited children enjoying themselves and being completely relaxed. The hugs, seeing how our children have grown, meeting new families, the tears of gratitude (mainly jane’s) and pride make the months of planning worthwhile.
The range of activities and resources was amazing this year – thank you to you all.
Quotes/highlights from the day:
Oh, look someone else lives in Cornwall (shame it was the pin her husband had put in the map)
Excuse me, I don’t think I’ve met your wallet today – Marina selling bike tickets
None of the trustees panicking when the bike disappeared ‘We blame Captain Woody’ may be on t-shirts next year.
Can we have LimbBo umbrellas next year?
Photo bomb competition
I have had to prise the T-shirt off her after wearing it for 2 days (including to bed)
It’s great that children collect their t shirts and medals and keep them as they grow.
The best quote was Marley on Wednesday evening explaining that there was an award every year and he would keep working hard to win it – love that it means so much to him.
Callum wiping his face vigorously after Sandra (Dale’s wife) gave him a kiss for the present we had bought her.
What colour t-shirts are we having next year?
We love that we now have LimbBo traditions. We are proud of all our children – what a family! #Bornready
Until next time xx