Success Stories
Nichola's Story
Nicholas received funding for drama lessons at Stagecoach Performing Arts School
The 15 yr old beneficiary really enjoyed performing whether it was in the school choir or class assembly and his ambition was to perform in a big production. However because of his disability it was proving difficult for the beneficiary to access after school drama clubs. The principal of Stagecoach has many years experience working with students with special needs and the high ratio of staff to children helped guarantee that he would receive the support he required.
Steps to success
Attending Stagecoach has enabled Nicholas to develop new skills in the arts and make new friends. He has exceeded everyone’s expectations and all involved have witnessed how he has grown in confidence. Evident that this experience will benefit Nicholas’ future learning; everyone was delighted to hear that Salford LEA has agreed to provide the funding for further lessons.
“I have always wanted to be in a show, but never thought that I would be in one at The Lowry! I feel more confident now and know that everyone gets nervous not just me. I am looking forward to doing performing arts when I leave school”.
- Nicholas
Richard's Story
Richard received specialised swimming aids to assist him in the swimming pool.
The 16 yr old beneficiary has been learning to swim since the age of 9. In August ‘04, he was involved in a serious coach accident and nearly lost his life. Since coming out of his coma and discovering he had lost the use of his arm he has been determined to prove that he is still a competent swimmer. At his first race, he broke the British junior record and is now training six times a week to qualify for the Paralympics in Beijing 2008.
Steps to success
Richard has regained his physical and mental strength and learnt how to apply basic swimming technique using one arm. He trains seven or eight times a week, sometimes leaving the house at 4.45am for a two hour session before going to school. Richard recently won two gold medals, five silver and a bronze in the Disability Sport England Senior Short Course Nationals held in Sheffield.
“Since the accident I have become more determined. My ultimate goal is to compete in the London’s Olympic Games in 2012”.
- Richard
Jessica's Story
Jessica Couser is one of the country’s promising young cricketers.
Playing the game since the age of 11, Jessica has represented Lancashire County since she was 12 and was among the Lancashire team that reached the final in the Under 13s League Championship in 2006.
She was the first female to appear in a district final of the Salford Under 14s schoolboys which was held at Old Trafford and went on to become a member of the winning team in the North West Schoolboy League in 2007.
The Worsley sportswoman was runner up in the national speed bowling competition and won the best bowling and batting averages for Winton Under 14s boys in 2007, going on to return the best bowling average for the Under 16s in 2009.
She appears regularly for Read Women’s First XI.
Now over six feet tall, Jessica has toured South Africa with Lancashire Women’s First XI and is Captain of the Lancashire Under 17s.
Her biggest ambition is to become an England international.
The Trust has supported Jessica with the purchase of cricket equipment including helmet, bat, pads and cricket bag.
She is to study physiotherapy and hopes to become a sports physio.
Glen's Story
Glen received funding to attend the Special Olympics.
The 21yr old beneficiary was selected to attend The Special Olympics in Glasgow in July. The event provides an opportunity for people with learning disabilities to compete in Olympic type sporting activities. The beneficiary was selected to attend because of “his enthusiasm and commitment to training to reach the standard he has attained since he commenced college in September 2003”.
Steps to success
Glen delighted friends and family by winning 2 silver medals in the 100m and softball. More than 2500 athletes took part in the games which had its opening ceremony at Celtic Park. One of Glen’s highlights was meeting Manchester City goal keeper David James, an ambassador for the Special Olympics. The impact of the games has boosted Glen’s confidence and will add weight to his record of achievement.
“We wish to sincerely thank you for your generous support enabling Glen to participate in the Special Olympics. May your support continue to benefit others”.
- Glen’s Parents
Salford Foundation Trust offers the opportunity to obtain funding where personal circumstances could stand in the way of ambitions and provides support for young people between the ages of 5 and 25 who live in Salford.
Peter rocks Trust celebration
Over a hundred guests were treated to a mini rock concert featuring former New Order musician Peter Hook when the Trust staged a celebration lunch at a Salford hotel.
The bass guitarist, who has become a patron of the Trust, performed with the band The Detachments for the Joy Division number Love Will Tear Us Apart.
Paralympic swimmer turned medal-winning cyclist Sarah Storey OBE, another patron, told the audience about the difficulties faced by young athletes in obtaining the necessary funding to pursue their sport.
She praised the Trust for its grant-making policy which had helped so many young people to pursue their interests and achieve their aspirations.
Several young people - who had received grants - also spoke at the event, aimed at raising awareness and support for the work of the Trust.
Peter Collins, Chief Executive of the Salford Foundation Trust described the event as a great success.
To see Peter Hook's interview with Channel M click here...