Seashell Trust students meet princesses at Queen’s 90th birthday

Seashell Trust students and staff partied on the Mall yesterday [Sunday] to wish their patron Her Majesty the Queen a very happy 90^th birthday.

A party from the Cheadle Hulme charity’s students, their families and Seashell staff shared luxury picnic hampers at the official Patron’s Lunch with 10,000 representatives of the 600 charities with which the Queen is involved.

Seashell Trust is a national centre of excellence for the education and care of children and young people from across the country with some of the rarest conditions.

The young people, who live with complex disabilities including autism, learning disabilities and communication difficulties, braved the downpour to celebrate the Royal milestone.

Louise Rottier, from Seashell Trust, said:  “The Patron’s Lunch was a joyous celebration of two things the British do exceptionally well: monarchy and charity. It was my absolute privilege to be there to watch everyone take such pleasure in being part of such a magnificent event. Surely there can be no better advert for inclusion than to see our student and staff seated at the very heart of such a high profile national celebration and to behave as exemplary ambassadors throughout.”

Niall Smalley, Seashell teacher from Bramhall, said: “It was not only an amazing day for the students and their families but also the staff that support them daily. The students have truly shown how those with autism or other learning difficulties can be part of the wider community.

“The students were ambassadors for not only Seashell but all those with SEN and they have truly risen to the occasion. They have interacted with members of the community and press and shown everyone how we should celebrate the diversity we see in Britain today. The Queen is a wonderful role model of how we as a nation should endeavour to offer an inclusive diverse environment in all areas of our society.”

Sian Thompson, senior learning support assistant from Heald Green, said: “The event was really enjoyable. It was lovely to see students, families and staff celebrating together. I think the parade was a highlight – great to see so many charities and organisations represented.”

Carol Honeini, Seashell’s internship co-ordinator from Heald Green, said: “The whole group were amazing. The best moment for me it was the smile and look of triumph on Daniel’s face when both princesses stopped to speak to him. It was an absolute amazing day.”

Back at the Cheadle Hulme campus, fellow students, teachers and charity supporters joined in the festivities with their own Great British Summer Fair, attended by another patron, former Coronation Street star Shobna Gulati.