TENNIS star Tim Henman says he was “blown away” by the work of a children's disability charity.
The retired tennis player, who won 15 career ATP titles, visited the Chailey Heritage Foundation in North Chailey, Lewes, on Monday, September 27.
The Chailey Heritage Foundation funds services for students who, due to the complexity of their disabilities, confront major challenges on a daily basis.
The school is for students from nursery age up to 19 who have complex neurodisabilities, sensory impairments and associated learning difficulties.
The majority have a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, while other pupils’ disabilities are caused by acquired brain injury or genetic condition.
During a visit to the school, Tim and his wife Lucy expressed their admiration for the charity.
"We both thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Chailey,” he said.
"We were quite blown away by the extent of your facilities and the provision of care you offer such needy children."
The Chailey Heritage Foundation has received significant funding from the Tim Henman Foundation over recent years.
Tim and Lucy were shown around the school by headteacher Simon Yates, where they were able to see children using the Eyegaze technology and the Innowalks – equipment funded by the Tim Henman Foundation.
The tennis star said he was impressed with the variety of activities on offer, which include art classes, drama, rebound therapy, swimming and the advanced technology of the immersive space and hippotherapy.
Sally Anne-Murray, Chailey Heritage development director, said: "We were privileged to welcome Tim to Chailey Heritage. He is an inspirational person, and his foundation achieves so much.
"We are naturally thrilled that he has agreed, through his foundation, to fund our new outdoor play and education area, which will make a real difference to the lives of the youngest children and young people who make up the Chailey Heritage family.
"Tim met many of our young people here at Chailey, and he was very interested in what we seek to achieve on a daily basis.
"He proved a very popular visitor both with the staff and young people and we were honoured to be able to show him and Lucy our wonderful facilities.”
Tim and Lucy were also joined by Marcus Hanbury, great-grandson of the Chailey Heritage Foundation’s founder.
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