A CHAMPION boxer made a knockout delivery to schoolchildren that will give them the mobility they need to maximise their learning.
Stuart Hall officially handed over the keys to a £40,000 Variety Sunshine Coach to principal of Beaumont Hill Academy, Darlington.
Students repaid the act of kindness with a performance of a song written specially to mark the auspicious occasion.
Beaumont Hill’s choir performed before Stuart and local officials of Variety, including regional chairman John Pearce, his vice chairman Bob Gladwin and committee member Ray Crawford.
Students, who receive specialist care and education for social, physical and emotional needs, celebrated with party poppers and a special coach-shaped chocolate cake before giving the new red bus a thorough inspection.
The presentation of the region’s 17th coach was organised by Variety, which secured sponsorship through the national charity The Elizabeth and Prince Zaiger Trust.
Ms Devine said: “Taking the students out into the community is critical to their learning as academic work is combined with enrichment activities.
“The difference this Sunshine Coach from Variety, the Children’s Charity, will make to the education of our children is huge and their whole experience of school life will be significantly enriched.”
Stuart drove from his Birmingham training camp to his hometown of Darlington especially for the event. He said: “I love to do anything to help, anything at all.
This presentation has made my day. It has been brilliant seeing the smiles the coach has put on the faces of the children.”
Trustee John Davidge added: ‘The Elizabeth and Prince Zaiger Trust tries to contribute to a Variety Sunshine Coach every year. We are delighted therefore to assist with the purchase of this new coach for Beaumont Hill Academy.”
The academy’s old minibus had served the school well for more than ten years but was in desperate need of replacement and Variety was asked for help.
Variety’s Chief Barker Jason Lewis said: “Since 1962, we have donated over 5,300 Sunshine Coaches – that’s more than 100 a year. They ensure that children can interact with the world around them and experience a fun, entertaining and educational environment, whilst ensuring they are transported as safely as possible.”
North regional chairman John Pearce added: “All the fundraising we carry out in the region stays in the region and we are delighted to be able to help students at Beaumont Hill Academy.”
