Shine Together magazine, Summer 2017(web)

Summer 2017

Shine member and winning entrepreneur Johnny Harris on healthy living Keeping healthy page 4

Raising the profile of disability sport page 6

Benefits news page 8

SHINE – Spina bifida • Hydrocephalus • Information • Networking • Equality Shine, 42 Park Road, Peterborough, PE1 2UQ www.shinecharity.org.uk • firstcontact@shinecharity.org.uk • 01733 555988 Registered Charity No. 249338 • VAT number 135 6056 23

Julia’s Journey with NPH page 10

News

Together – here for you Here to help...

Please do send any comments or enquiries to us: P: Together Shine, 42 Park Road, Peterborough PE1 2UQ T: 01733 555988 E: together@shinecharity.org.uk F: Facebook.com/ ShineUKCharity W: www.shinecharity.org.uk Registered Charity No 249338 Company Number: 877990 Please let us know if any of your contact details have changed.

Let us know if you would like a large print (text only) version of Together. © Shine. No content can be re-published without the prior consent of Shine, but Together is here to be shared far and wide, so do shout away and share articles online!

DISCLAIMER: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this magazine is accurate at the time of publishing. The information provided does not constitute legal or professional advice, and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher.

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Julia’s Jou with NPH page 10

Shine’s search for new Board members As we launch our new Corporate Plan, Shine is looking for individuals to join the Board. You must be passionate about the work we do, and be able to bring experience and knowledge to help ensure Shine is well run, meets legal obligations and delivers even better services for members. At least 50% of Shine’s Board must have personal experience of spina bifida and hydrocephalus, or of supporting someone with one or both conditions.

Any Shine member can apply. We are particularly looking for trustees who are aged between 18 - 40, or are parents of children with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, or have professional expertise in Education, Human Resources or Social Care. We also have a vacancy for a Trustee to represent Wales. The application process will open in May. The Board’s recruitment panel will then short-list potential Board members in time for the election in September. To register your interest in applying to become a Board member, please contact Val Stokes on T: 01733 555988 or E: val.stokes@shinecharity.org.uk

A new Bella Bear Book!

Discover Bella’s next adventures at a school taster day, swimming and making friends in her new book: Bella Bear - Now I Am Four. Phone 01733 555988 or email firstcontact@shinecharity.org.uk to order your copy. (£3 in UK. P&P applies for international orders.)

Welcome Aboard

As Shine embarks on a new corporate plan, we are growing our teams. We welcome: Simon Hewett-Avison, new Director of Services England. Simon is a qualified teacher with 15 years’ experience in education, health and social care, in the private, public and third sector, latterly as national Head of Support Programmes for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Georgia Kelly, Challenge Events Fundraiser, brings experience in teenage education and development and organising largescale corporate sports events to promote health, wellbeing and teambuilding in business.

Kathy Bhogal, new Services Coordinator, Northern Region.

A qualified Social Worker, Kathy brings broad experience in supporting adults and children with physical and/or learning disabilities.

Sheila McCarney and Kirsty Smyth, Support & Development Workers, Northern Ireland. Sheila brings a background in General and Mental Health nursing, and Kirsty in rehabilitation, cognitive development and special needs literacy.

Mark Kerr, Shine’s new Marketing and Communications Manager. Mark’s broad experience includes delivering record breaking campaigns with Peterborough City Council, and promoting services for individuals with additional needs.

Rachel Coombs, Community and SME Fundraiser, South-West. Rachel brings broad fundraising experience with charities in the USA and UK, including the NSPCC, National Autistic Society, UNICEF and latterly the Enham Trust.

The Way Ahead - Shine’s NEW Plan Shine has published its new Corporate Plan for 2017 - 2022, to ensure we become an even stronger influence for change. Building on the feedback from members, our goals are to: 1. Improve outcomes through early intervention and support 2. Ensure access to better care and services for all 3. Enable improved lifestyles and choice 4. Work to prevent spina bifida 5. Provide quality information and support

Campaign Update

At the time of writing, Shine learnt that the Chelsea and Westminster Adult Spina Bifida Clinic is threatened with closure in July. Devastated at this news, Shine and our members are petitioning for a reversal of this decision. Look out for updates in the ‘Shine Focus Group - Chelsea and Westminster Clinic Closure’ on facebook and in future editions of Together. For further information please contact E: mark.kerr@shinecharity.org.uk or T: 01733 421362.

We will be developing new services and information to support you through the many changes you experience in life. We will also be standing by you in speaking out and calling on statutory authorities to ensure better access to services and support.

We are still the same Shine, here for you, only more so.

Kate Steele, CEO To request a copy of the plan by email or post, please contact firstcontact@shinecharity.org.uk or phone 01733 555988.

Tributes

With sadness we report the death of two dear friends since the last issue of Together:

Albert (Chig) Keeling - Chig and his wife Peggy were instrumental in founding ASBAH after the death of their son, John, and raised thousands of pounds for the cause with their daughter Pat and family; Dr Gillian Hunt - a urologist in Cambridge who specialised in spina bifida and served on ASBAH’s medical committee. Gillian produced valuable work on longer-term quality of life issues, later supported by her daughter Dr Pippa Oakeshott. Our condolences go to their family and friends.

Brotherhood Bravo!

Congratulations to Peter Brotherhood Ltd, global engineering solutions provider, celebrating 150 years in business! Shine is one of their chosen charities for 2017, and from 22-23rd June a team of nine will cycle 150 miles from the company’s original home in Chippenham to the Peterborough factory they’ve occupied for 100 years. The fundraising has begun and they are well on their way to smashing their £1,000 target!

A marvellous time at Shine40Plus When 70 delegates gathered at the Shine40Plus conference in Brighton this Spring, they enjoyed sessions ranging from managing weight, keeping active, and aids for memory and planning, mental wellbeing, and daily living. Neurologist, Professor Tom Solomon, seen here with Shine member, Ashish Patel, spoke about his friendship with Roald Dahl. Shine will receive profits from Tom’s book: Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Medicine. For more see: www.tomsolomon.co.uk

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Overview

A healthy way to be

When Shine member Johnny Harris won £20,000 on a tv show, he realised he had come a long way since being diagnosed with Hydrocephalus in his teens…

When Johnny Harris experienced severe headaches while studying for ‘A’ levels at school, his mum, a nurse, sent for the GP. Johnny explains: “I was told that I was suffering from stress. But the headaches grew worse and I had double vision.

On sports day, mum noticed that I was running with one eye closed!

We went to an optician and after various tests hydrocephalus was diagnosed.”

Johnny then had problem after problem, with five operations in two years, as medics tried to make the shunt system work. At one point he reacted so badly that he spent three months in hospital, vomiting every day so much it ruined his teeth and he became anaemic.

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“It’s not uncommon for shunts to block. The doctors are fantastic but sometimes their ability to listen to the patient - the person going through it - isn’t so good. I wrote a lot of poetry as my way of escaping and dealing with the pain, to distract myself.

Eventually an anti-syphon device was fitted and the hydro at last came under control. Since then Johnny has played rugby, run the London Marathon, and works as a personal trainer and sports therapist.

“I’ve been very lucky. Apart from some stiffness in my neck, I now have no major problems, so can pretty much do anything I put my mind to.”

Now a parent himself, he reflects on what it must have been like for his parents around his diagnosis.

“I can see what my parents went through, to see your child unwell is distressing. I just lived with it, but they could only look on.”

“Having hydro changed my outlook on life. When you’ve been unwell for a while you look at life differently. For me it was a turning point and led me to become an advocate for a healthy lifestyle.

“I’ve learnt to put a value on health. I don’t drink or smoke and still do personal training four days a week. We don’t appreciate our health until we lose it.

A few years ago, using his 17 years’ experience in the fitness industry, Johnny decided to put his entrepreneurial flair to work and set

up his own company, T-tox, producing healthy teas aimed at those who exercise.

“I wanted to share this healthy lifestyle with everyone in an easy way. The aim is to enhance wellbeing. Herbs can help reduce cholesterol, blood pressure, stress and be anti-ageing, but they must be regulated - I am very careful about this.

Then a friend connected Johnny, now 38, with the TV series Pop Up Start Up, featuring 12 entrepreneurs vying for a £20,000 cash prize for their company over six episodes.

“It was amazing! In eight weeks we achieved what would have taken eight months. I visited China and met the manufacturer. I’m happy to say that I won my show!”

Johnny is now developing ‘Matcha’ for professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts, and reaching out to the wider market with handy sachet packs.

Advice for Shine members?

“No matter how bad something is, when ill or going through a shunt revision, there can always be a brighter future if we put our mind to it. You can achieve a lot. Never lose faith that things can turn around.”

T-tox can be ordered online. To find out more go to t-tox.com. (15% discount for Shine members - use the word Shine as the coupon code when ordering.)

About Hydrocephalus…

Hydrocephalus describes a harmful build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the head, causing pressure on the brain.

It can lead to a range of problems such as seizures, movement and coordination problems, memory and planning difficulties, mood swings, drowsiness and headaches. Some people have no or few effects, others find they have severe effects which impact their everyday lives. Hydrocephalus is usually managed with a shunt - a thin silicon tube to drain the excess fluid away to another part of the body, such as the abdomen or the heart - or by an Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy, a small hole between the ventricles, which allows the fluid to drain past a blockage, to be absorbed naturally.

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Overview

Simeon and James – raising the profile of disability sport Simeon Wakely and James Ireland are on a mission - to raise the profile of disability sport. Both members of the Shine Through Youth (18-25s) group, they explain why they have teamed up...

James has competed internationally in wheelchair dance sports.

He says: “Sometimes we dance with another wheelchair user, and sometimes with a non-disabled partner - whatever difference there might be in physical ability, we can still dance together.”

James Ireland and Simeon Wakely. (Photo: courtesy of ITV Anglia)

Simeon Wakely, 20, from Timsbury, Somerset, explains: “The paralympics was great – but there’s not been much coverage since then. How is that inspiring anyone? So we developed the slogan ‘Truly Inspiring the Next Generation’ and are campaigning for more disability sports on mainstream television.

He adds: “More coverage would show that whatever our ability, we can do what we want to do. It would create more opportunities for people to participate in sport too.”

Simeon has spina bifida, hydrocephalus and scoliosis, and uses a wheelchair to get around. “I love wheelchair basketball because it’s inclusive. Whatever ability you have, you can play sports. Being in a team, around people who understand what you are going through, is very important.

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Simeon concludes: “If we can join together and make one big voice, even the government will have to listen!

Simeon runs his own business, Life With Ability, to transform perceptions around disability. He reflects: “Without Shine I definitely wouldn’t have had the confidence to share my story, and James and I wouldn’t have connected – just having people who understand you really helps. I don’t meet many people with spina bifida but sharing through the facebook groups and events really helps.”

James adds “We are realistic; we’re just getting the conversation started.”

James Ireland, 25, from Southendon-Sea, Essex, also has spina bifida, hydrocephalus and scoliosis and uses a wheelchair to get around.

www.stepchangestudios.com

James says: “I don’t think the public realise that disability sports happen 365 days a year, because none of that gets covered. Where are the role models? We don’t see them on a regular basis for younger people to be inspired! That’s why we set up our campaign.”

To add your voice to the petition and for copies of the poster, email campaignaspire@gmail.com or see @aspirecampaign For more about wheelchair sport and dance, see: www.wdsauk.co.uk

www.wheelpower.org.uk

parasport.org.uk/find-a-club wheelygoodfitness.com

Below James Ireland appears on BBC Breakfast News, with Step Change Studios, London’s first inclusive Latin and ballroom dance company, founded by Rashmi Becker (second left) and Nuno Sabroso (centre right) Shine Through Youth: www.shinecharity.org.uk/ourcommunity/shine-through-youth

Gill Yaz – The right kind of pounds to lose Managing your weight with spina bifida and hydrocephalus can be a challenge.

Shine’s Health Development Manager, Gill Yaz explains how making small changes over time can be more effective than drastic diets.

If you have spina bifida or hydrocephalus you may find it a challenge to maintain a healthy weight. Some people have less muscle tissue to burn off or experience memory problems and difficulty sensing the passing of time, which can make it harder to keep track of what they are eating.

A mobile phone or paper diary can help to track what we eat and the activity we do to burn off food. Just as important is a good night’s sleep.

Regular sleep, during the hours of darkness, helps to balance the hormones which control appetite.

(That’s why our ‘sensible eating’ plans can go out of the window when we’re tired!) Many people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus experience obstructive sleep apnoea (deep snoring, and breathholding causing you to wake up repeatedly). As well as feeling groggy all day, this can cause weight to spiral out of control.

The good news is that sleep apnoea is quite easy to diagnose and treat, so discuss it with your GP who may refer you for sleep studies.

Other tips for a good night’s sleep include turning off the TV, ipad or mobile phone game an hour before, as the blue light from the screen may prevent sleep. Avoid caffeine or alcohol, and use blackout blinds to darken your bedroom.

Choose food to help you maintain a healthy weight. Protein-rich foods, such as lentils, fish, lean meat or poultry, can help you feel full for longer, as can vegetables and fruit which are also great for bowel health and full of vitamins.

Refined sugar or flour can make you hungrier, so try cutting out sweets, cakes or white bread.

If you find it hard to change the food you eat, swap to a smaller plate. Eating at a table, without distractions such as TV, will

help you to focus and notice when you are full and ready to stop eating.

Keeping active is important. Finding activity you can do every day at home, such as a seated exercise DVD, will be more beneficial than a weekly gym session. Move your legs if you can, even if you don’t walk or weight bear, as it will help to maintain your muscle bulk, and boost circulation.

For more, see NHS Choices, Change For Life and (in NI) ‘Get A Life, Get Active’: www.nhs.uk/livewell/loseweight www.nhs.uk/change4life/pages/ disability-activities.aspx www.nhs.uk/change4life-beta/befood-smart www.getalifegetactive.com

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News

Good continence – your Questions answered

Welfare and Benefits News

As part of Shine Cymru’s early intervention project funded by the Welsh Government, Brenda Cheer, an experienced Paediatric Specialist Continence Nurse, has joined the team to provide families with support and advice and develop new resources on good bladder and bowel management.

Here Brenda answers some of your questions: Why can’t I get more than four continence pads on prescription?

This must be the continence nurse’s most frequently asked question! Cost comes into it but is not the main factor. With today’s ultra-absorbent pads four a day should be enough; if it isn’t, then we need to work out why and sort the problem.

Maybe it’s a bowel problem caused by constipation - there is a wide range of suppositories, enemas and bowel washout systems available on prescription to treat this, so that you can go to the loo normally.

Maybe it’s a bladder problem. Most UTIs are caused by stale urine, when the bladder fails to empty fully (rather than ‘wearing pads for too long’ as often thought). Underlying reasons include constipation, spinal problems or not drinking enough fluid. Again, all these should be treated not padded!

Maybe it’s a problem with the size, fit or absorption of the continence pad. These should be rectified – much better to have four pads that really do the job than ten that don’t!

What can I do to prevent leakage?

It’s annoying and embarrassing when continence pads let us down and leak. Often there is nothing wrong with the pad – it’s the way we are using it. You can find tips to help at: www.continenceproductadvisor.org/products/ pads and www.eric.org.uk/pdf-guidance-ondisposable-containment-products (for younger members especially) and more about continence management on our website www.shinecharity.org.uk

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There have been important changes to several benefits in recent months: Warm Home Discounts: This scheme helps families (in receipt of certain benefits) with discounted electricity bills. Check with your supplier for details. (Not all operate the scheme.)

Employment and Support Allowance: The government has removed the payment to new claimants in the Work Related Activity Group, who will now get the same basic allowance as those claiming Jobseekers Allowance. No account will be taken of any disability-related expenses.

Existing claimants will not be affected. If you are making a new claim, take good benefits advice and, if possible, get help with your application form.

PIP (Personal Independence Payment): in the light of recent tribunal decisions, the government has changed the criteria so that fewer people will be eligible for points for managing therapy, monitoring a health condition or following a journey. The effects of psychological distress will not be taken into account.

This may affect a number of our members, especially if you have hydrocephalus.

Changes to the appeal tribunal system: plans are underway to move from face-to-face hearings to online ones later this year, including those dealing with ESA, DLA and PIP. This will include uploading documents, digital case management and hearings via Skype, video or telephone. This may affect anyone who is not online or has limited I.T. skills.

We will publish details when we know more, and if you need advice or help on any of the above contact us on 01733 555988 or firstcontact@shinecharity.org.uk

Coloplast Coloplast develop products and services that make life easier for people with very personal and private medical conditions. Working closely with our consumers and healthcare professionals, we create solutions that are sensitive to your individual needs. Whatever the reason, Coloplast are committed to improving your quality of life through the provision of products and services designed to make the management of your continence symptoms easier and more convenient.

Continence solutions from Coloplast: Catheters - the SpeediCath® family Conveen® Optima - for men with leaking bladders Peristeen® - a solution for bowel management For more information on our products and services, please visit:

www.coloplast.co.uk/SHINE The Coloplast logo is a registered trademark of Coloplast A/S. © All rights reserved Coloplast A/S, 3050 Humlebaek, Denmark.

Health

Julia’s Journey

Diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, Julia Gibbons shares her journey and the obstacles she has overcome in managing her condition.

Getting used to a shunt “When the clips came out, I could hear whooshing noises - whenever the setting changed, the noise was like a constant loud refrigerator’.

“I am getting used to this but loud noises and bright lights seem to affect me and I have to look away from flashing lights.’

“A tinnitus app, reiki and meditation are helping me to sleep well and I feel less stressed out”

Julia’s journey began in April 2014 when she went to see her GP after a spate of falls and balance problems. She was referred to a neurologist whom she saw in November 2014, and they referred her for a scan.

Julia, 53, from Newport, South Wales says, “The neurologist thought I had an imbalance in my ears. In hindsight I feel I really needed to see a neurosurgeon.”

Julia’s symptoms did not improve and in March 2015 she asked her GP for copies of the MRI scan.

Her own research had already suggested Hydrocephalus. The GP referred Julia for a lumber puncture.

“By now the pain in my neck was unbelievable and I was still chasing appointments and follow ups which hadn’t been booked in.”

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The lumber puncture worked for two days but then her symptoms came back even more strongly.

“It felt as if the fluid was boiling my brain. My concentration had gone out the window, my memory was worse and I kept messing things up at work.”

Julia joined a Hydrocephalus Facebook group – and when she shared her scan photos, within minutes, members were asking when her shunt operation was due.

Julia rang the neurologist again but was told she didn’t need surgery. So she paid for a private consultation, NPH was diagnosed and she began a lumberdrain trial in August 2015.

A programmable shunt was finally fitted in June 2016.

“I always knew something was wrong. I’m sure the neurologist thought I was making it up!”

After the operation, to her relief, the pain in her head had gone, and the shaved hair at the back of her head quickly grew back.

Initial Setbacks During July and August 2016, Julia made several trips to her GP and hospital and had her shunt setting changed as it was under draining, causing ‘horrific headaches’ among other problems. By November 2016 things were settling down, and Julia was getting used to her shunt and felt well enough to begin a phased return to her work at the Office for National Statistics.

Looking forward “It’s been a long process” says Julia. “I’m very lucky to be back in work. I’m learning to manage my NPH and getting used to things that can affect me. My memory is worse and processing information takes time, especially if it’s too noisy.”

Throughout it all, Julia has maintained a positive attitude, goes to the gym, aqua aerobics and Pilates, and has lost two stone.

She is feeling ‘fitter and better’ in herself.

“A tinnitus app, reiki and meditation are helping me to sleep well and I feel less stressed out. I don’t sit still for long – I like doing things.

“Shine has been a great help to me when I’ve needed support, and by providing information to my employers to better understand my condition, I have been able to go back to work. Being part of the Shine Facebook groups is also a good source of information sharing and advice from others managing NPH.”

EVERYTHING YOU NEED

DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR "I have been using your home delivery for about four years and it’s been great. I am 46 and a Shine member with spina bifida and hydrocephalus and so this service is perfect for me."

Shine Health Home Delivery Customer

Need regular stoma and continence products or prescription medication?

We will deliver them efficiently and discreetly to your door.

Step One:

A customer service advisor will call or e-mail you to order your appliances and medication

Step Two:

Your advisor will check stock levels, place your order and arrange a convenient delivery date

Step Three:

Your appliances and medication will be delivered to your door or chosen destination

Register for your home delivery today:

0800 023 8857 info@shinehomedelivery.org.uk www.shinehomedelivery.org.uk Shine Health Home Delivery is a service that has been set up by the charity Shine and which is operated on its behalf by Bullen Healthcare Group Ltd

You can support us in a number of different ways

Summer Fundraising Ideas

Summer 2017 NEW Shine Fundraising Packs for Schools!

Full of ideas and activities on how your school can support Shine and make a difference to people with spina bifida and hydrocephalus.

Two packs available: Primary School and Secondary School. For your copy, email firstcontact@shinecharity.org.uk or phone 01733 555988.

Find your monthly fundraising initiatives sheet at: www.shinecharity.org.uk

www.shinecharity.org.uk/fundraiseforshine/ fundraising-ideas-of-the-month

Shine Events for Members

We are always adding new events so check-out www.shinecharity.org/events and Shine Facebook or phone 01733 555988 for more! (Events free unless stated.)

Shine Wales

Ser Bach Shine Teenies (under 5’s) meet monthly across Wales.

E: sian.prince@shinecharity.org.uk or T: 07789 616 416.

1st June 11.00am - Boulders Half term Adventure Climbing, Pengam Road, Cardiff. Booking essential. E: helen.allen@shinecharity.org.uk or T: 07894 394 322.

14th June 12.00-3.00pm - Ladies that Lunch – Art Gallery and Lunch – The Glyn Vivian Gallery, Swansea.

E: melanie.hayes@shinecharity. org.uk or T: 07789 616460.

15th June 12.30-2.00pm - Shine SE Wales social lunch – Harvester, Rhydycar Leisure Park, Merthyr Tydfil. E: helen.allen@shinecharity. org.uk or T: 07894 394 322.

4th July 6.30pm – Conwy Social – Brewers Fayre, Glan Conwy Corner, Colwyn Bay. E: bryn.roberts@ shinecharity.org.uk or T: 07469 148572.

11th July 12.30pm – Swansea and South West Social, Tenpin Bowling, Parc Tawe, Swansea SA1 2AX. Booking essential.

E: melanie.hayes@shinecharity. org.uk or T: 07789 616460.

5th August 10.30am - Ser Bach Summer Teddy Bear’s Picnic, South Wales – Barry Island Beach Hut, Whitmore Bay, Barry Island. Bring your Teddy!

E: sian.prince@shinecharity.org.uk or T: 07789 616 416.

12th August 10.30am - Ser Bach Summer Teddy Bear’s Picnic, North Wales – Bodafon Farm Park Llandudno. Bring your Teddy!

E: sian.prince@shinecharity.org.uk or T: 07789 616 416.

23rd August 1.00pm – Powys Social – The Smithfield Bell, Mill Lane Welshpool. E: bryn. roberts@shinecharity.org.uk or T: 07469 148572.

Shine Northern Ireland

The Lurgan Children’s Group runs on the second Saturday of every month, 11am-1pm, Jethro Centre, Lurgan, NI. E: janet.davidson@shinecharity. org.uk or T: 07764 969747.

The Bangor Group will run again in June at the Aurora.

E: kirsty.smyth@shinecharity.org. uk or T: 07710 154754.

Shine England

In Merseyside, Shine Teenies meet once a term, and are planning a bowling trip for parents and 11-17 year olds, dates tbc. E: angela. lansley@shinecharity.org.uk or T: 0151 733 8392 or elizabeth. miers@shinecharity.org.uk or 01490 450360.

More Shine events are also being planned for Northern England...

E: kathy.bhogal@shinecharity.org. uk or T: 07710 154826 The Northamptonshire support group will run on 27th June, and 19th September at Broughton Village Hall, 2-4pm. All ages welcome. E: sharon.lapsley@ shinecharity.org.uk or T: 07876 865231.

In Cambridgeshire, the 0-5’s group will run at Shine’s office in Peterborough on June 14th, July 12th, Aug 9th & Sept 13th.

E: sharon.lapsley@shinecharity. org.uk or T: 07876 865231.

In the South-East

10th June - Thames Valley Adventure Playground for families with children under 16. E: angela. bailey@shinecharity.org.uk or T: 01293 775775.

2nd July - Shine Surrey Family picnic, The Old Pheasantry, Lower Kingswood, KT20 7HF. E: angela. bailey@shinecharity.org.uk or T: 01293 775775.

23rd September - Family day (families with children under 16), Beale Park, Lower Basildon, Berkshire. E: angela.bailey@ shinecharity.org.uk or T: 01293 775775.

October (tbc) - Family day (families with children under 16), Bocketts Farm, Leatherhead, Surrey.

E: angela.bailey@shinecharity.org. uk or T: 01293 775775.

In London, the Shine ‘Blue Blobbers’ events will run on: 11th June - Hampton Court Palace 16th July - Day trip to Brighton 6th August - London Eye & London Aquarium 3rd September - Kensington Palace 24th September - Visit to Plumpton Racecourse (Near Brighton) 29th October - Museum - Natural History or the Victoria & Albert E: christine.cunningham@ shinecharity.org.uk or T: 07816 169627 or see www.facebook.com/ ShineBlueBlobbers