
Volunteers make a day to remember
A wheely good time was had by members of our 4ME Activities Service thanks to volunteers from Grant Thornton who helped them get the most out of a special sporty session.
Members of 4ME, who all have learning disabilities, were taking part in wheelchair sport at Rivermead Leisure Centre in a special session run by Sport Together Berkshire.
The team of 20 volunteers from accountancy firm Grant Thornton, who have all just joined the company from school or university, proved they were game for anything as they buddied up with our clients and got stuck in.
Once shown the ropes, everyone was quickly wheeling straight into the thick of things as they learnt how to steer the wheelchairs, change direction, weave in and out of cones, bump chairs and race against each other.
Maire-Claire Dillon, Reading Mencap’s fundraising manger said it was difficult to work out who was enjoying the activity the most – our clients or the volunteers.
She said: “It was brilliant to see the volunteers interact with our clients. They were full of enthusiasm and we all enjoyed the experience.
“It’s always fantastic when a local company wants to support a local charity and we’re so grateful to Grant Thornton for choosing to spend time with Reading Mencap, meet the people we support and learn more about our work.
“Craig, Steph and Chris from Sport Together were also amazing and put on a varied and exciting session, which left everyone wanting more.”
Grant Thornton’s Katherine Nicoll said: “Our team of volunteers had an amazing time. Not only did they find the experience enjoyable, but it also helped them realise how important volunteering is.”
Sport Together Berkshire work to increase opportunities for people who face barriers taking part in sport and physical activities.

