Local MP backs bibic - 22 July 2010

MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has given his support to national children’s charity bibic  at a recent visit to their therapy centre near Puriton.
Mr Liddell-Grainger was given a tour of Knowle House, where children and families visit for assessments and therapy sessions. The charity works with around 400 families a year, from across the UK, helping children with a wide range of conditions such as cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, autism and dyslexia.
Mr Liddell-Grainger commented: “ I support bibic because of what they do and the inspired way they go about things. It  is one of those rare organisations that puts a lump in your throat, when you think of the daily problems they face – and a great big smile on your face when you realise how well they do it.” 
He gave his support to two of bibic’s summer fund-raising events which are being held at Vaux Park Polo Club, South Petherton. On 21 August there is a family fun day which coincides with a junior polo tournament and features lots of  entertainment, fun and games, craft stalls and a tethered hot air balloon. Tickets for the day cost £5 per person.
On September 11 the charity holds its Imagine Ball at the Vaux Park site. The event features  a champagne reception, three course meal, entertainment and local band, Shoot the Moon. Tickets cost £65 each or £600 for a table of ten. For more details on both events, contact Simone Joyce on 01278 684060.

Polo club hosts charity fun day

A family fun day to raise money for a national children’s charity is being held at Vaux Park Polo Club, Wigborough Manor, South Petherton.
The event, on 21 August,  will feature a chance to see young polo players take part in a junior polo tournament as well as lots of other fun attractions.
During the day, which starts at 11.30 am, there will be children’s entertainers, a bouncy castle and climbing wall, face painting, body art and glitter tattoos and a host of fun and games.
The first polo match will start at 12 and continue throughout the day.
There will be a hog roast and barbeque and snacks and drinks will be available.
The event is being held to raise funds for bibic – a national children’s charity based in Bridgwater. The charity works with around 400 families a year from across the UK, helping children with a wide range of conditions such as cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, autism and dyslexia. It is unique in developing individual therapy programmes for each child  - helping them to reach their potential.
Entry to the family day is by ticket - £5 per person, with children under three free of charge -  book by July 12 to get a 25 % discount. Once inside, all attractions, other than food and refreshments, are free. Tickets are available from bibic – call Simone Joyce on 01278 684060.
Louisa Rogerson from Vaux Park Polo Club said: “ We are delighted to be hosting this event for bibic. We hope lots of people will come along to enjoy the mini polo and the other attractions to raise as much money as possible for this very worthy charity.”

For more information about the event please call  Simone Joyce on 01278 684060

bibic children in Crealy convoy - 14 June 2010

A group of bibic youngsters had a day out with a difference when they joined a 30- strong convoy of  trucks to a Devon adventure park.
The children were the guests of truck drivers’ club, United Truckers who organised  the special day out.
They joined youngsters from across the south west to travel in convoy from Bridgwater to Crealy adventure park in the cab of a truck and then enjoy a free day out at the attraction.
 Organiser Shirley Buckingham said: “ We are the south west branch of a national truckers club and this is the fifth year we have organised a trip like this, with the drivers raising all the money needed to make it possible. The children have a fantastic time travelling in the big cabs and having a great day out and the drivers really enjoy the day too.”
Simone Joyce from bibic said: “All the children had a fantastic day out and we would like to thank United Truckers for all their support.”
bibic works with  around 400 families a year from across the UK – helping children with a range of conditions such as cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome and autism.
Ends
For more information please contact Simone Joyce at bibic on 01278 684060.

Cheryl dives in to new role - 26 May 2010

Fundraising manager Cheryl Brown is taking up the challenge of a lifetime as she prepares to  fall from the skies for the charity she works for.

Cheryl joined bibic,  earlier this year and is literally throwing herself into her new role as fundraising manager.

“ My job involves me in raising money to help fund the work of bibic and what better way to show my commitment to the charity than to carry out a challenge like this, “ she said. As an ex-air stewardess Cheryl has no fear of flying – but jumping out of an aeroplane will be a totally new experience for her.

“ I will be taking part in a tandem jump from between 10, 000 – 12,000 feet up in the sky and then  free-falling at speeds of 120 miles per hour before the parachute opens, “ said Cheryl.

The jump takes place at Dunkerswell Airfield in Devon on 2 July. If you would like to support Cheryl you can sponsor her on-line by visiting http://www.justgiving.com/Cheryl-Brown.

Pedal power raises charity cash - 11 May 2010

A group of four cyclists took to their bikes  to cycle from John O’ Groats to Lands End to raise funds for bibic.

The four  friends joined forces to cycle the gruelling route. They covered a total of 970 miles – averaging 92 miles a day and cycling through a range of landscapes from Glencoe Pass  to the Somerset Levels.

Ian Scott, John Burgess, Adrian Bonnett and John Ford completed the cycle challenge in 10 days – raising  around £2,700. Ian, an experienced long-distance cyclist said: “ This seemed like a great challenge to complete. We chose to raise money for bibic as I was very impressed by the work the charity does and feel  it is an excellent cause.”

Edington family fun day - 11 May 2010

Tiny pony Angelina Ballerina is set to be the star of the show when children’s charity bibic holds  a fun day at Edington Village Hall.

The event, on June 5 will feature attractions for all the family – but horse fans are bound to fall in love with Angelina Ballerina – a 28 inch high miniature  pony. She will be there with her owner, Mrs Ollie Kent  from Highbridge and visitors can have their photo taken with the real life “ My Little Pony”.

Local reiki master and teacher Mike Durant will also be there holding a reiki awareness day. He will be offering  20 minute taster sessions to allow people to try out the Japanese stress-busting therapy involving hands-on healing.

Other attractions on the day, which runs from 10 am – 2pm, include body art, hair spraying and a range of fund-raising  stalls. Refreshments  will be available throughout the day.  The event is being organised by bibic, the Bridgwater-based charity which helps children from across the UK  with a wide range of conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome and autism.
For more information contact Simone Joyce on 01278 684060 

Childs First Recognised Word Is 'bibic' - 23rd February 2010

When six- year- old Jake  picked up a letter and read the colourful logo on the letterhead it was a very special day for his parents.

Just 18 months before, Jake  had been at his lowest ebb, frustrated by his early days at school and his perceived lack of ability compared to his  classmates. Toddler-style temper tantrums occurred several times a day, he was out of control and he felt like a complete failure.

“He was a very unhappy child and we honestly felt he was on the verge of a breakdown – things were very bad, “ said Dad, Steve.

He couldn’t sit still long enough to concentrate on even the most basic tasks, failed to recognise and remember shapes and even had trouble remembering names.

Over the last 12 months  the situation has begun to change for the better and that first word he read will always have special significance as it is the name of charity that has turned life around for Jake and  his family.

The charity is bibic, a national organisation which specialises in helping children with brain injuries and genetic conditions such as autism, dyspraxia and developmental delay.

Working closely with the children and their families, bibic puts together therapy programmes, which can be followed at home and school, designed to address gaps in the child’s development and to help them achieve their potential – whatever that may be.

Unknown to his adoptive parents, Steve and Diane, Jake’s problems started before he was even born. His birth mother drank heavily while she was pregnant – leaving Jake a victim of foetal alcohol syndrome with parts of his brain damaged as a result.

As a baby Jake seemed perfectly normal. Steve explained: “ He went through his first year  with no problems but as he got older we noticed he was a very busy child. As a toddler he had boundless energy but was just too frantic all of the time and we instinctively felt that something wasn’t right.”

At playgroup, staff noticed he struggled with holding a pencil or scissors and recognising shapes. “Everyone loved him and was charmed by him and he had a big group of friends but it became obvious that certain tasks were just too difficult for him to even think about, “ said Steve.

The situation worsened when Jake started school and it was then that he had his first visit to bibic. “ We had a very unhappy child on our hands, “ said Steve. “ He was aware he was unable to keep up with his classmates and his self esteem was at an all-time low. It got to the stage where he completely refused to even try tasks.”

At bibic, based  near Bridgwater in Somerset, therapists spent two days with Jake and his family. Their unique approach involves assessing the child – working out their capabilities and the areas they have problems with – watching them play and then coming up with simple therapies.

“ Jake sees it as a great day out – lots of fun and play; bibic is his favourite place, “ said Steve.

The solutions bibic come up with are taught to the whole family so they can be introduced into the daily routine. Steve explained: “ They showed us how we could work and play with Jake to help him with the sensory issues that cause his hyper-activity, simple games to help improve his memory and different ways of talking to him and dealing with his behaviour.”

Something as simple as allowing Jake regular “ time out”  sessions when he can charge around and release some energy helps to keep him more focussed for short periods. Holding a special cushion on his lap while he is sitting can help his constant fidgeting and helps him to concentrate and regular sensory massage is also part of the programme.

The bibic advice has been closely followed at home and at school and it soon became obvious it was having results. “ Jake has become a much happier child. We have had return visits to bibic and the therapies evolve to suit his changing needs but there has been significant progress, “ said Steve.

Now most mornings Jake goes happily to school. He still struggles with  some skills but at least he is willing to take on the challenges and give it a go. “ Seeing the change in his behaviour is priceless to us. We now have a much greater insight into why Jake is like he is. It is as if bibic has given us the opportunity to see inside his head and understand how he thinks and behaves, “ explained Steve.

“ Having that understanding and being able to avoid potential problems has made a huge difference to us as a family and we are feeling much more positive about his future.”

Intrepid Fundraisers Raise £40,000 for bibic - 16th February 2010

bibic supporters Paul Brett and Sean O'Connor succesfully completed their arduous Arctic challenge in Northern Norway, raising an enormous amount for the charity.

Speaking from the comfort of his home, Paul said; "We made it!!!!  We returned in the early hours of yesterday morning and I can say it was an extremely challenging trip which has left me very tired but elated to have successfully completed the challenge.  We covered 250km in temperatures averaging minus 20 degrees but reaching minus 32 degrees at times.  We normally set off at 8am and usually sledded until either 3pm or 4pm with a 10min break for lunch. I didn’t eat lunch since the sandwiches we prepared for ourselves were usually solid ice by lunchtime! I am delighted to inform you that we have exceeded the £40,000 target!".

For more information on the challenge, or to sponsor Paul and Sean, please visit www.bmycharity.com/paulbrett.  If you are inspired by this incredible challenge, why not take one on yourself?  For more information, click here.

A message from Paul Brett in Norway!

Young Farmers Pull Together for bibic - 17th November 2009

A Young Farmers Club marked its 75th anniversary by raising £6,000 for children’s charity bibic.

The 60-strong Bridgwater YFC held a variety of events, from a tractor pull to a sponsored bounce to raise the cash for the charity.

Tim Sullivan from the group said: “ It was a very special year for us and we decided to choose one charity to benefit from our fund-raising during the 12 months. bibic is a cause which is very relevant to us as it involves children and young people.”

The money raised has already been put to good use with some of it being used to sponsor therapy sessions for one family at bibic’s national assessment centre near Bridgwater in Somerset. Simone Gilbert, Partnership Development Officer for the charity said: “ The Young Farmers made a massive effort during the year and we are very grateful for their support.” END

New therapy pool creates a splash - 5th November 2009

UK charity bibic has re-opened it’s therapy pool – exactly 12 months after its old one was destroyed by fire.  Last November the children’s charity was devastated when fire tore through the pool complex of its national assessment centre near Bridgwater, Somerset – causing £250,000 worth of damage.

Since then a major public appeal has been held, bringing in donations from around the world and yesterday (4 November) Zack Swan, a child on the bibic programme, officially opened the new therapy pool, with help from Councillor Jane Moreton, Chairman of Sedgemoor District Council.

Chief Executive of bibic John Bennett said: “Pool therapy plays a major part in the work we do with children here. It was a terrible blow when we had the fire and I am delighted that we are now able to offer our families even better facilities.”

The new pool features improved family facilities and includes stimulating sensory lights and music which make the pool such a valuable therapy resource for the charity.

John added: “We were very heartened by the response to our pool appeal. Donations literally flooded in - many of them from local people who were determined to help us bounce back and it is thanks to them that we are able to open our new facility today.”

bibic works with around 400 families a year, helping children with a wide range of conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, autism and dyslexia. It is unique as it specialises in devising individual therapy programmes to help the youngsters achieve their potential for a happier and more fulfilled life.
For more information please contact Lucie Howells on 01278 684060. END