The Farthings Foundation is a relatively new organisation so, we only have a few stories to tell thus far. However, our intention is to change that sooner rather than later so, from time to time we will be adding stories to tell you about real-life successes.
Southwark Stars
Southwark Stars are a group of football players that puts unity above anything else. Brought together by their love of the game, they train once a week, and play friendlies and tournaments against other disability football teams. They pride themselves on giving everyone an equal opportunity to enjoy the beautiful game. Their goal is to be a true representation of their community, in Southwark, London.
They have an interesting story in which they have outgrown their current use of 5 a side pitches. They are now negotiating with an Academy school near the Elephant and Castle to be able to use their facilities on a Sunday when the school doesn’t use them. The school have been a bit sceptical about their ongoing financial stability so our help will allow a firm contact to be agreed.
You can discover more about them on their website at https://southwarkstars.co.uk/about/
Southwark Stars – football tournament
A brilliant afternoon with our friends of Southwark Stars who were hosting a 5-a-side football tournament on a sports facility in South London.
Some 50 or so disabled players all over the age of 18 – including a couple of girls – from around London, having a wonderful time playing very good football with help and encouragement from a group of brilliant volunteers. Puts life into perspective.
You can discover more about them on their website at https://southwarkstars.co.uk/about/
Dart Sailability
Dart Sailability is a charity which enables anybody with any disability to enjoy sailing, boating and associated activities including social events. Based at Dartside Quay at Galmpton, the charity is run and managed by volunteers.
We read about this group when they were having difficulties with meeting the costs for the yard from which they operated on the River Dart.
At this point, we have agreed to fund the rent on their new premises but are looking at other aspects of the amazing work they do.
You can discover more about them on their website at https://www.dartsailability.org/
MACS
MACS is the UK’s national charity for children born without eyes or with underdeveloped eyes. They help over 3000 people from 1000 families across the UK, supporting them at every stage of their journey by providing peer support, practical help and opportunities to take part in life-changing activity trips.
We have agreed to contribute £5000 towards their 2023 Sailing trip. We will also see how we can assist them in their other endeavours too.
MACS sailing voyages are the ultimate experience for fun, friendship and adventure. They are run in partnership Ocean Youth Trust South, an adventure sail training charity, in their 30-metre vessel Prolific.
MACS voyages are intended to help young people develop their independence and confidence, make friends, learn new skills and most importantly to have fun!
Find out more at https://macs.org.uk/
Eden Hays – Equestrian
11 year old Eden (at time of writing) is a true ‘bright spark’ with a great sense of fun! She is also a very determined young lady who has overcome dwarfism and mild epilepsy to become an accomplished rider.
The Farthings Foundation first became aware of Eden through the Riding for the Disabled Association, where Jean works as a volunteer.
Eden has serious ambitions to become a Paralympic competitor in equestrian events… a highly commendable goal and one that we are trying to help her achieve.
The Farthings Foundation have undertaken to cover all relevant costs incurred during the period until she can apply for a para dressage grade, around the time of her 13th birthday. Thereafter, we will reassess her needs going forward.
Eden appears in the video below as an ‘Inspirational Inclusive Leader’. This is part of the Youth Sports Trust’s Young Changemaker Awards 2023.
Below is a video of Eden at the RDA National Championships where she was competing very successfully in the Vaulting classes.
She was taught to vault and cartwheel as a way of improving her core strength and posture. Her cartwheel departure has become a signature!
And in the second video below, Eden and her mum Emma discuss their love of riding and how much it means to them, both physically and emotionally.
