A Swim for Saplings
Donation protected
This is Tommy and my name is Claire and we both love to swim. This February I will be in Perth Australia to take part in the Rottnest Channel Swim 2019 as a solo entry which means swimming from mainland Perth to Rottnest island which is 19.7km away. Whilst I usually like to fly under the radar when it come to such events I was recently talking about my love of water and thought of my very dear friend Tommy Quintero. With that I have decided to dedicate my efforts and attempt in his honour and Saplings the school which he attends.
Tommy is 9 years old. He lives in Dublin, Ireland with his Mum, Dad, two adorable sisters and Otto his assistance guide dog. Tommy is equal measures kickass as he is handsome (see attached!). I have been lucky to know him since he was born and watched him grow into the little man he is today. Tommy however has a diagnosis of autism and epilepsy. He does not speak and finds communication very difficult. He has massive sensory needs which can result in risky behaviours (e.g. climbing).
Since 2015 Tommy has attended Saplings School in Rathfarnham, Dublin, Ireland. Saplings provides Tommy with an environment and facilities to help him develop based on his individual needs. In his time at Saplings Tommy has learnt some sign language and how to use a communication device on an I-pad. He has one-to-one Speech and Language Therapy twice a month. This has helped Tommy to communicate and recently he has even been able to tell his parents when he had a sore throat. This is revelatory for Tommy and them. At Saplings he also has Occupational Therapy twice a month. The recently installed sensory and climbing rooms, and the playground, gives Tommy the opportunity to let off steam during the school day. During the last couple of years his family and friends have watched Tommy mature and become more content and confident in himself. He is a wonderful, gentle big brother to his 2 sisters Lana and Nina. Every day presents challenges for Tommy but he, along with the help from the wonderful staff at Saplings, rises to meet these and it never ceases to amaze me and everyone lucky enough to know him.
Saplings itself is totally dependent on fundraising and donations for all non curricular interventions. Every cent received through fundraising and donations goes to the children. State funding covers salaries, rent and the basic curriculum only. There is nothing left to provide for the support and interventions that are an absolute necessity for these children. Such things as speech and language therapy and occupational therapy are not a ‘nice to have’. They are essential.
With that in mind I am asking you to consider sponsoring my ‘Rotto’ attempt in honour of Tommy and Saplings. With such swims there are things you can control like training and nutrition and there are things you can’t control like weather, conditions at sea, sharks etc. which can end a swim but I am aiming to give it my best shot. By sponsoring me you will be investing in Tommy’s future along with those kids who attend Saplings with their own special needs - 26 children in total.
Thank you for any support offered.
Claire.
Tommy is 9 years old. He lives in Dublin, Ireland with his Mum, Dad, two adorable sisters and Otto his assistance guide dog. Tommy is equal measures kickass as he is handsome (see attached!). I have been lucky to know him since he was born and watched him grow into the little man he is today. Tommy however has a diagnosis of autism and epilepsy. He does not speak and finds communication very difficult. He has massive sensory needs which can result in risky behaviours (e.g. climbing).
Since 2015 Tommy has attended Saplings School in Rathfarnham, Dublin, Ireland. Saplings provides Tommy with an environment and facilities to help him develop based on his individual needs. In his time at Saplings Tommy has learnt some sign language and how to use a communication device on an I-pad. He has one-to-one Speech and Language Therapy twice a month. This has helped Tommy to communicate and recently he has even been able to tell his parents when he had a sore throat. This is revelatory for Tommy and them. At Saplings he also has Occupational Therapy twice a month. The recently installed sensory and climbing rooms, and the playground, gives Tommy the opportunity to let off steam during the school day. During the last couple of years his family and friends have watched Tommy mature and become more content and confident in himself. He is a wonderful, gentle big brother to his 2 sisters Lana and Nina. Every day presents challenges for Tommy but he, along with the help from the wonderful staff at Saplings, rises to meet these and it never ceases to amaze me and everyone lucky enough to know him.
Saplings itself is totally dependent on fundraising and donations for all non curricular interventions. Every cent received through fundraising and donations goes to the children. State funding covers salaries, rent and the basic curriculum only. There is nothing left to provide for the support and interventions that are an absolute necessity for these children. Such things as speech and language therapy and occupational therapy are not a ‘nice to have’. They are essential.
With that in mind I am asking you to consider sponsoring my ‘Rotto’ attempt in honour of Tommy and Saplings. With such swims there are things you can control like training and nutrition and there are things you can’t control like weather, conditions at sea, sharks etc. which can end a swim but I am aiming to give it my best shot. By sponsoring me you will be investing in Tommy’s future along with those kids who attend Saplings with their own special needs - 26 children in total.
Thank you for any support offered.
Claire.
Organizer and beneficiary
Claire Crowley
Organizer
County Dublin
nicola ryan
Beneficiary