Legendary Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley is backing an appeal for help by a national children's charity.

bibic needs to raise £5 million to create a new short break and therapy centre. The charity provides therapy and support for children from all over the country with conditions such as autism, aspergers, cerebral palsy, learning difficulties and Down’s syndrome. Tony Hadley explains why he has been moved to help...

..."This place is amazing. It's a refuge for these families. So often they are only ever told what their child will never be able to do; but here, the therapists explore every avenue and help children to achieve things their parents never thought possible".

As well as saving its 19th century manor in the heart of rural Somerset, expansion is a must for bibic. Campaign Manager Paul Travers (a founding Director of the Eden Project) tells us why...

..."bibic already provides a lifeline for many people whose daily routines are more challenging and stressful than most of us can imagine, but we need to move our facilities into the 21st century. We also need to reduce waiting times and reach more of the families who need us. With £5 million we can help five times as many children and create a truly inspiring space for our families"...

Sandra, a Mum whose son Ross attends bibic for therapy, says...

"bibic has been a lifesaver for us - we couldn't have managed without them. bibic has changed each of our lives by showing us how to communicate with Ross. A short break centre where we could stay whilst Ross received therapy would make such a difference.

Tony Hadley has the last word...

..."bibic is doing something amazing. Please, if you can, do the same. Help make this happen"...

If you would like to donate to bibic you can do so by clicking here.

Click here to view the ITV television press release video.

Click here view our new film featuring Jo Brand and Tony Hadley





Tony Hadley with Ross

bibic is a national charity offering practical help to families caring for children with conditions such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, developmental delay, traumatic and acquired brain injury and specific learning difficulties such as attention deficits hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia and dyspraxia.

Many of us take learning for granted. From birth we discover new skills and develop a fuller understanding of the world around us. For many children this process isn’t so easy. It can be difficult for them to make sense of the things that others take for granted. bibic exists to help these children reach their full potential and live a fulfilling and more rewarding life.

If you think that we could help you and your family click here for more information.

Celebrity Portrait Exhibition
bibic held a very special celebrity portrait exhibition in November. The centre piece of which will be a signed portrait of John Cleese, one of our Vice Presidents.

We have been working in conjunction with Pippin Designs, professional artists who design the celebrity portraits based on photographs. On display will be a selection of very special original portraits which have been painted by children with genetic and neurological conditions. bibic supports many of these children and their siblings. The artists guide the children, giving them the chance to creatively communicate, explore and express themselves in a safe and facilitating environment and most importantly the children have fun painting their idols!

The project in total involves forty canvases. We are currently busy collecting promises from a number of celebrities to sign their portraits prior to the fundraising auction in 2008. Among those that have agreed to sign are Lulu, Harrison Ford, and Brian May.