Dudley Visual Impairment Service

Funds were donated to Dudley Visual Impairment Service to provide a fun day out in Warwick to ‘Hatton Park Farm’, for young visually impaired children and their families. The children had a wonderful time, which included handling animals, a ride round the fi elds in a cart pulled by a tractor, watching sheep racing and playing on play equipment etc.

Funds were also given to provide specialist magnifi cation equipment for particular users.

Dudley Visual Impairment Service provides educational support for partially sighted and blind pupils from the ages of 0 – 18 years of age in the Dudley, Stourbridge and Halesowen Area.

We are all very grateful for the help you have given these local children.

- Dudley Visual Imparement Service

Black Country Wheels Project

In December we had a Christmas party for a group of young carers and we were able to purchase a laptop computer for the group to use for their homework, as many do not have this facility at home.

Many of the young people have enjoyed outings to Go-Karting, a visit to Coventry Motor Museum, RAF Cosford and a most enjoyable outing to Silverstone.

We have given much needed new shoes to three young people, two warm winter coats, plus other clothing. We have an allotment to grow our own food, harvest it, cook it and eat it! The young people really enjoyed doing this but we didn’t have many tools, so thanks to Paul’s fund we now have tools and seeds and in the Autumn we will be planting fruit trees.

One of our young people had problems athome and we were able to support him in supporting his family with what was needed for them to stay together.

All of these activities have been made possible by the Paul McCann Trust and has certainly put smiles on many young peoples faces - so thank you for all the hard work you do in fund raising to help local young people.

With our heart felt thanks.

Jan Lear - on Behalf of the Wheels Project

2008 Ball Triumphs!

What a night to remember - posh frocks and best dinner suits were the order of the day at the 2nd Annual Fund for Needy Children Christmas Ball.

Dancers were entertained by a live band and had the chance to scoop some fantastic prizes on the Auction and Raffles.

When the time for carriages had come, the party goers all agreed that a fantastic night was had by all - and all in a good cause!!

Halesowen Schoolgirl Gets £2.5k for Olympic Bid

The Paul McCann Fund for Needy Children donated the cash to The Earls High pupil Jordanne Whiley who hopes to compete in the Paralympics later this year.

Jordanne's dad Keith Whiley said the family was overwhelmed by the kind donation.

He said: "It's absolutely wonderful - Paul McCann was into sports as well so there's a mutual thing going on there. It will help Jordanne immensely. We felt quite moved - the McCanns are a lovely family."

Jordanne, who suffers from a brittle bone condition which affects her legs and recently won her sixth international title of 2008, will use the money for training sessions and tournaments.

Ranked number two in the British wheelchair tennis rankings and just outside the world top 30 Jordanne was recently voted BBC Midlands Young Disabled Sportsperson of the Year.

"First and foremost I would like to thank The Paul Mcann Fund for their generous donation to help me in my endeavour in Wheelchair Tennis to reach my goal in the Paralympics 2012.

The funding has already helped me climb through the rankings as I have been able to increase my coaching to 3 times a week and pay for extra court time. I have also been able to have a fitness instructor once a week to keep me in shape and ensure I build up my stamina for the long matches.

The training and matches can be gruelling and I have had one or two injuries over the last few months, but once again, due to the The Paul Mcann donation I have been able to pay for a sports physio. This was a godsend and got me back on court very quickly.

All of the above plus travelling and invisible costs would have made it impossible for my parents to continue supporting me. Now I have a real chance to make my dream come true and win a medal in the next Paralympics and its all down to you guys, thank you for your help." - Jordanne Whiley

2007 Ball a huge hit!

They said it couldnt be done, and the team behind the Paul McCann Charity Ball proved them wrong!

A fantastic evening with over 150 attendees who dressed to impress, great food and drink, the Halesowen version of "Ant and Dec" hosting the evening and auctions and much dancing!

The evening raised a phenominal amount of cash and awareness, with Prizes dontated by Bass Brewers, Aston Villa FC, Birmingham City FC and many more!

"I'm overwhelmed at the enthusiasm that Matt, Ian, Dianne and the team have shown in organising the ball - all off their own backs too!" said Brian McCann, Pauls father.

The ball was such as success, it is set to become an annual occurance - make sure you're there at the next one!