Police volleyball players raise thousands for Chailey Heritage Foundation

Every year, police forces across the country take it in turn to host the inter-police volleyball tournament, with teams of police officers, staff and retired officers playing a number matches over a weekend.

In the Autumn, Sussex Police hosted the event for the first time at the Triangle Leisure Centre in Burgess Hill.

Traditionally, on the Saturday evening, a gala charity night is held that aims to raise money for a charity chosen by the hosting team. This was held at the Amex Stadium and the charity chosen was the Chailey Heritage Foundation.

Chailey Heritage Foundation is a charity that offers services for children and young people with complex physical disabilities and health needs. It is a pioneering charity providing education, care and transition services for children and young people with complex physical disabilities and health needs.

The charity encompasses Chailey Heritage School, Chailey Heritage Residential and Chailey Heritage Futures and aims to provide a stimulating and inclusive environment where all young people are given every opportunity to make progress towards fulfilment and develop life skills in preparation for adulthood.

As well as schooling and classroom-based lessons, the Foundation also offers activities such as swimming and therapeutic horse riding. The charity has to raise money for a wide range of equipment, facilities and activities that it provides, many of which are not readily available elsewhere.

Following the fundraising efforts, Sussex Police presented the £3225 cheque to the Foundation, where they received a tour around the facilities and an opportunity to meet some of the children who benefit from the charity.

PC Rob Luff, who presented the cheque to Joan Martin and Jenny Hanraads, said: “I am delighted that I was able to present this cheque, having been able to see the great work the charity does. Our donation will help fund ‘Digital Learning for Life’ - a project to enhance the learning environment through the provision of specialist computer equipment.

“Many of the children use Eye Gaze computers which enable them to control a computer screen using their eye movements instead of a mouse. I was lucky enough to be able to try one that is already in use and was extremely impressed.

“The equipment enables children to play games and learn in the same way as any other child and we feel this donation will make a big difference.”

If you would like to make a donation to Chailey Heritage Foundation you can contact the fundraising office on 01825 724752 or email [email protected].

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