14-year-old Grace from Stockport joins presenter Margherita Taylor to explore the stunning Peak District as part of a special Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need.
The episode, airing at 5:15pm on Sunday 25 October on BBC One, features five young people who have faced overwhelming challenges and received support from BBC Children in Need funded projects.
Each of the children talks about their experiences, the help they received and the difference it made to their lives, showing how support from BBC Children in Need can help children and young people overcome obstacles, build confidence and look towards a brighter future.
Grace has been supported by Seashell Trust’s CADS (Children’s Activities and Disabled Sport) programme, which is part-funded by BBC Children in Need. When she was just five days old, Grace developed a rare type of brain damage, resulting in quadriplegic cerebral palsy and deafness. Despite the significant challenges she faces, Grace approaches life with determination and enthusiasm. Over the past six years, the CADS programme has given her the opportunity to take part in activities and experiences that might otherwise be inaccessible, helping her build confidence, develop new skills and connect with others.
Grace enjoys spending time with her friends and family and has a wide range of interests. She loves building Lego, drawing, cooking and baking, and especially enjoys going on walks with her family and their dog, Willow. She has visited theme parks and has tackled some of the biggest roller coasters, as well as taking part in zip-lining, climbing walls, den-building. Grace is also keen to get involved in water-based activities and embraces every opportunity to try something new.
Speaking about the filming, Grace said: “I had such a great time on the Countryfile Ramble. It was brilliant spending time with Margherita and challenging myself. Thank you to everyone who supported me and helped make it such a fun day.”
Grace’s mum, Clodagh said: “We’re incredibly proud of Grace and all that she has achieved. The opportunities made possible through Seashell Trust and BBC Children in Need have helped her build confidence and resilience, and it was wonderful to see her take part in the Countryfile Ramble.”
Seashell Trust has received £120,000 from BBC Children in Need over three years, ending July 2027. This money has supported them to deliver their CADS (Children’s Activities and Disabled Sport) programme. The project provides disabled children and young people with complex needs the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities, experiences and social opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible due to barriers such as disability and health needs. Through tailored sports sessions, creative activities, trips and community-based experiences, CADS helps young people build confidence, develop new skills, form friendships and increase their independence.
Samantha Keane, who manages CADS at Seashell Trust, said: “Grace is a wonderful example of the determination, enthusiasm and confidence we see in so many of the young people we support at Seashell. Grace approaches everything with a positive attitude. Through opportunities to learn new skills and connect with others, she continues to thrive. We are incredibly proud of all that she has achieved, and grateful to BBC Children in Need for helping us provide vital support that enables young people like Grace to reach their full potential.”
Through these projects, young people have somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to who believes in them. It’s this support that helps them build confidence, discover their strengths, develop new skills and unlock their potential. This year, Countryfile Ramble shines a spotlight on the transformational role of youth work, and the difference these projects make in local communities.
Right now, BBC Children in Need can only afford to fund 1 in 6 organisations that ask for help. That’s nearly half a million children going without our support when they need BBC Children in Need by their side.
Across Stockport, BBC Children in Need currently fund two projects to the value of £195,000.
Countryfile is made by BBC Studios Entertainment Productions. Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need airs at 5:15pm on Sunday 25 October, BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
