Honiton SEN sports group enjoy a 'magical experience' with special guest

Back in September of this year, Honiton mum of two, Lea Bamford setup a SEN Sports Group in town.

The sessions provide a sensory friendly, no expectation group for children with additional needs - so that they can access sports and social opportunities in the local area.

The idea came about after Lea struggled to find group activities for her own children who have autism.

Speaking to Nub News, Lea said: "I understand that it can be challenging to attend Santa's grottos when you have a child with additional needs, so I decided to provide this service within a familiar environment for our attendees.

"It was very sensory friendly; no waiting in line and no other activities to add unnecessary distraction.

"Our children attended our regular group and were slowly introduced to Santa on a one to one basis.

"It was truly magical.

"Many parents had tears in their eyes, as did I, as it was so special to the children.

"I had a friend's husband volunteer to play Santa, in full uniform for three hours - he was sweating by the end!

"Thank you to Carl Burnett and Linzi, who took the role of Santa and his helper.

"They were utterly brilliant in providing our children with a beautiful, and magical experience.

"The children were so very lucky to have received brand new books given to us by the very generous Mine Conkbayir and Paul Whitehouse.

Mine is a friend of mine (Lea) and I am very lucky that she has believed in my vision to bridge this gap for additional needs.

"Mine has worked very hard to be a magnificent trustee, and I thank both Mine, and her husband, the actor/comedian Paul Whitehouse for their very generous contribution of books to all of the children in our little group - how amazing is that!"