On Monday 20th August, Sam Gyimah MP was joined by The High Sheriff of Surrey, Dr Helen Bowcock DL, on a visit to Challengers' Caterham Youthscheme at de Stafford School.

Challengers are a children's charity dedicated to providing exciting and challenging play and leisure opportunities for disabled children and young people across Surrey, Hampshire and the surrounding areas.

In addition to giving disabled young people between the ages of 13 and 18 years old a much-needed space to have fun, meet friends and experience activities their non-disabled peers might take for granted over the holiday, these Youthschemes also provide families with short-breaks during high pressure times – including the school holidays – enabling them to do 'ordinary' activities such as shopping or spending time with their other children.

Speaking after the visit Mr Gyimah MP said: "I was incredibly impressed by the culture and ethos of the Challengers youthscheme in Caterham, where no child is excluded, where staff are highly enthusiastic and engaged and where parents, frankly, can't get enough of the service. Long may it continue!"

Commenting, the High Sheriff of Surrey, Dr Helen Bowcock DL said: "We can see how much the children enjoy being here but Challengers is also highly valued by parents and siblings. The charity relies upon some very dedicated staff and volunteers and is dependent upon the generosity of donors."

Challengers CEO, Laura Sercombe, added: "We'd like to say a big thank you to the High Sheriff and Sam Gyimah MP for taking the time to visit Challengers Caterham Youthscheme today and for getting so involved in the sweet shop activity!

"The youthscheme is much loved by young people and youth workers alike and so it was fantastic that Sam and the High Sheriff were able to get so involved and see the huge amount of laughter and smiles that happen here over the Summer Holidays!

"Last year the Caterham Youthscheme provided over 4,899 hours of fun for local disabled young people and this year we hope to provide even more!"

For further information about Challengers' Youthschemes and Playschemes, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the Challengers Play and Leisure Team on 01483 230 930.