A charity set up by a Sheffield woman to offer support to youngsters living with cerebral palsy and similar disabilities has released a version of the classic song You’ve Got A Friend, performed by some of the children & young people of CP Teens, to say thanks to and raise funds for the NHS.
CP Teens UK is the brainchild of Ellie Simpson who founded it as an 18-year-old in 2013 after noticing that her non-disabled peers tended not to involve her in social events, leaving her feeling isolated.
Initially run from home while Ellie took a gap year before studying for a degree at Sheffield Hallam University. CP Teens is now based in The Hub at Chesterfield FC and has since expanded to incorporate CP Tinies for children up to age eight and CP Tweens for nine to 13-year-olds. It aims to provide ‘help, hope, inspiration and friendship’ through a variety of methods such as a chatroom and (pre Covid-19) social and sports events.
You can see and hear their version of the song made famous by Carole King here on the charity’s Facebook page. They can also be followed on Twitter. Money raised by those who enjoyed the number will go to NHS Charities Together which consists of 250 organisations providing funds and services above and beyond what the NHS alone can provide.
Among the events held by CP Teens UK is an annual Sponsored Wobble with cash raised going to the charity. However, due to lockdown restrictions this year they had a Virtual Wobble (held last weekend) with participants being filmed doing their distance and then sending it into the site. It has so far raised around £1800. All money raised goes directly towards helping children and teenagers with cerebral palsy and similar disabilities. You can also donate to their Just Giving page.
