Year 13 pupil, Lily F delivered an emotive and inspiring speech during a Senior School Chapel service about her incredible work with youth charity PHAB.
Founded in 1957, PHAB was created when a young disabled man called Terry Rolfe campaigned for ‘opportunity, not pity’ for disabled people. Since then, PHAB has grown as one of the most inclusive charities in England and Wales, creating over 130 clubs across the UK – with one of those clubs being at Framlingham College.
The PHAB club at the College has been going for just over five years, with families joining us every fortnight to take part in activities from table tennis to archery and rocket launching. Our charity ambassadors and in-house PHAB committee have been working hard on planning and creating larger school events to help broaden the horizons for the children and young people they help.
Over the summer, as part of her Gold Duke of Edinburgh award, Lily F volunteered at PHAB’s residential camp on the edge of the New Forest, which offers outdoor activities such as high ropes, abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking, and kayaks all of which are completely accessible to everyone.
Addressing the school in a special charity focused Chapel service on Friday, 20th September, Lily said: “The camp gives those living with disabilities under the age of 18 an amazing experience away from home, in a place where they feel valued and accepted for who they are. It is a chance for them to form lifelong friendships whilst gaining independence and confidence.
“When I arrived, little did I know that I would be meeting some of the most amazing people who have inspired me and given me a new perspective on life. The connections I made with both the participants and fellow volunteers are something I cannot put into words.
“More than 60 children took part, and on arrival, many of the children were understandably anxious. For many of them it was their first time away from home. One of the personal highlights for me was watching each participant grow in confidence and come out of their shell, with many going from not wanting to take part in anything, to flying down the zip wire and paddle boarding across the lake.
“Volunteers are an integral part of PHAB, and seeing the smiles on the faces of the children when they accomplish something new is a memory I will treasure. I left feeling that I had made a real difference to the lives of those who took part. It was without a doubt one of the most rewarding things I have done, and I can wholeheartedly say that the people there were some of the most inspirational people I have ever met, so much so that I have already signed up to return next summer for their camp in 2025.”
