Sophie (9) from Ballymena with presenter Margherita Taylor
Nine-year-old Sophie Thompson from Ballymena partnered with presenter Margherita Taylor to explore a stunning estate in the Peak District as part of the 10th anniversary special of the Countryfile Ramble for BBC Children in Need, which will broadcast on BBC One on Sunday 3rd November at 5:05pm.
Sophie has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Sophie’s mum Kathryn set up Sensory Kids along with Sophie’s granny Mary in 2014 following the lack of support available to children and young people on the autistic spectrum.
The project is funded by BBC Children in Need and provides sensory play, specialist rooms with equipment and support for children and young people with ASD.
In 2015 Sophie was born and when she began nursery, Kathryn noticed differences in her development and social interactions with other children, including walking on her tip-toes, struggling to approach her peers in social times, and signs of dyslexia.
Sophie began attending Sensory Kids for sensory therapy and to help develop coping strategies. Since joining, Sophie continues to enjoy the sensory room and takes part in Lego therapy.
The project has encouraged Sophie to developed her confidence amongst her peers, and given her a sense of belonging. Sophie is a keen Irish Dancer and attends classes regularly and is excelling by winning competitions and feeling much more confident in her overall self.
Ahead of her adventure with Margherita Taylor, Sophie said:
“I’m so excited for my ramble challenge! I’m going to try my best and I’m really looking forward to meeting and talking to Margherita.”
Sophie’s mum and Sensory Kids founder, Kathryn said:
“We are all immensely proud of Sophie, she’s come such a long way and she’s going to be absolutely brilliant on her ramble!
“We started Sensory Kids to give children like Sophie the tools and confidence they need to do whatever they put their mind to, and we’re so happy she has the opportunity to do something as exciting as this!”
This year is the 10th anniversary the Countryfile ramble, with ramblers having raised £15.4m since its beginning in 2015. Along with Sophie, three other children from across the UK will be exploring Chatsworth House’s vast estate, each partnered with a Countryfile presenter of their own.
BBC Children in Need believes that every child should have the chance to thrive and be the best they can be but some children carry more than others and need someone to help them lift the weight.
Right now BBC Children in Need is only able to fund 1 in 8 organisations who ask for the charity for money and only with the public’s support can the charity continue help to lighten the load for hundreds of thousands of children when they need it most.
Viewers at home can lace up their boots and set up their own sponsored ramble to help raise funds for Children in Need.
For information on how to get involved in this year’s Countryfile Ramble, please visit here.
BBC Children in Need fund 18 projects across County Antrim to the total value of £1m providing a range of services which support children and young people in the local area who are facing a variety of challenges, helping to make their lives lighter. BBC Children in Need funds people and places across the UK, in the communities where you live.
The charity funds amazing people in family centres, community spaces, youth clubs and refuges;
homeless shelters, hospices and helplines. In England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.