PHOTOS: ‘Supportive’ centre for disabled children in Horsham commended by Samantha Cameron

The wife of Prime Minister David Cameron was visiting Hop, Skip and Jump, a new care centre for disabled children, based in Swan Walk.

It struck a chord with Mrs Cameron, whose son Ivan was severely disabled and died in 2009.

She said: “I have personal experience of the horrible struggle of attempting to do the weekly shop while caring for a disabled child and of trying to change nappies on the floor of a public toilet while out and about.

“I would have loved to have found such a supportive centre, where my child could be cared for while I carried out the everyday chores that other families take for granted.

“This very special centre, the second of its kind in the country, offers children with special needs and their families, a safe haven in the heart of the town.

“I passionately support Hop, Skip and Jump’s commitment to help families cope with the challenges a disabled child brings, and fully back their amazing vision to offer ‘Care in the High Street’ facilities to families right across the country.

“I applaud the owners of Swan Walk Shopping Centre and Horsham District Council for their support of the charity and hope that similar partnerships can take place elsewhere.”

The new care centre offers a safe, fun environment for children and short respite for their parents.

Clarissa Mitchell, trustee for the Hop, Skip and Jump Foundation,said: “We are really excited to have opened in Horsham.

“We have, for a long time, identified a real need for this kind of care in West Sussex and it is fantastic to now be able to help some of the most vulnerable people in the county.

“We are very grateful to Aviva Life & Pensions UK Ltd, the team at Swan Walk Shopping Centre, and Horsham District Council for their support in this new venture.”

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