Annual Make a Move! event provides plenty of sporting fun for young people under care of Bristol Children’s Hospital
Young people under the care of Bristol Children’s Hospital had the chance to carry an Olympic Torch, see an Aston Martin F1 car and try a host of fun sports and activities when ‘Make a Move!’ returned to the University of Bath for a fourth year.
Nearly 200 youngsters took part in the event which encourages those undergoing treatment for cancer and blood conditions to get active and have fun, helping to combat the physical and mental side effects caused by these conditions and their treatment.
A packed day of activities at the Team Bath Sports Training Village began with an opening ceremony led by Paralympic swimming gold-medallist Stephanie Millward, who also brought in the Olympic Torch that she carried through Bath ahead of London 2012.
Children and their families then got to try their hand at archery, athletics, badminton, boccia, boxing, cycling, football, gymnastics, hockey, judo, rugby, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, wheelchair basketball and much more.
Team Bath Netball stars Ellie Ervine and Alanna Pullen were on hand to provide expert shooting advice, while British Skeleton’s Amelia Coltman and Issy Fassnidge helped people have a go at the Winter Olympic sport on the indoor sprint track.
There were circus skills and dance sessions too, as well as soft play for the younger participants, an outdoor climbing wall, crazy golf. laser pistols and the chance to get up close to an Aston Martin race car.
With almost 350 people taking part over the course of the day, it was the biggest ‘Make a Move!’ since the event first took place in September 2022. It is run specifically for past and present patients under the care of the Paediatric Oncology and Benign Haematology Department, and was created in partnership and with funding from The Grand Appeal, the dedicated charity for Bristol Children’s Hospital.
The Grand Appeal provides support through family accommodation, medical research, music, play and art therapy, life-saving equipment and art enhancement. Visit www.grandappeal.org.uk for further details and find out more about the ‘Make a Move!’ event by visiting www.grandappeal.org.uk/make-a-move.
