The Finlay Foundation

A charity set up in the memory of Finlay Joseph, aged 6 years
Children we have Helped
April 2022
We paid for the installation of smart televisions to be placed in the 5 isolation wards in the Oncology department in The Royal United Hospital in Bath. The need was brought to our attention by a neighbour whose own little boy had battled cancer and she had said if children didn't have a smart pad etc, the isolation rooms could be a very lonely place. We did pay for this work back in January 2020 but Covid put everything on hold. So happy to announce the televisions are now in the rooms and just something that can hopefully bring a little smile to children that very sadly have to spend time there.
February 2022
We support a local teenage boy living with FoxG1 syndrome by donating £2500 towards a special MT PUSH all terrain chair that will allow him much more freedom as he grows up.
January 2021 (The covid pandemic is still with us so still living with restrictions)
We continue to donate hundreds of high visibility jackets to schools, nurseries and scouting groups when the children are allowed back to their places of learning.
November/December 2020
Once again we buy a huge variety of toys, games and equipment, wrap and donate to children's homes in Salisbury & Bristol as well as Swindon Women's refuge. The donations are greatly appreciated by all especially the children in these settings aged up to 16 years old.
We also bought specialist sensory toys for local boy, Jai, who has FoxG1 syndrome.
September 2020
The children are finally allowed back to school so we donate hundreds more high visibility vests to schools, nurseries and child minders.
January 2020 (The start of the Covid pandemic in the UK)
We donated hundreds of high visibility jackets to schools in Wiltshire and Hampshire
December 2019
We are very proud to have bought 2 mini race runners from Denmark, the first of their kind in the UK for the 18 month to 3 year old age group. We bought them for the Bath race running club who have children with lower limb disabilities attending as well as older children and adults.
We bought a large sensory bead maze table for the Springboard specialist nursery school in Chippenham.
We bought and delivered a large variety of toys and gifts for the children that would be staying in the women and child refuges in Swindon and Devizes over Christmas.
We bought new equipment for 'Youth Action Wiltshire' and first aid supplies to help with their first aid lessons.
November 2019
Bought toys for 'Safe space' in Bristol. 'Safe space' provides a lifeline for families with children that have additional needs, physical or emotional.
Bought boxes of family biscuits and chocolate selection boxes and delivered them to the food bank in Devizes to be given out with each food parcel in the run up to Christmas.
October 2019
Donated money towards a fund to purchase a new x8 extreme 4x4 power chair for a local girl Carmela that suffers with muscular dystrophy.
September 2019
Donated high visibility jackets to primary schools
July 2019
Donated hundreds of high vis to local primary schools
May 2019
Donated high visibility jackets to 5th Wiltshire B-P scout group.
Bought 2 powerchairs for Nova coaching, a group that specialise and run sports activities for disabled children
March 2019
Bought Goal posts and equipment for Frome Falcons, childrens power chair football club.
We bought a treadmill and bench for 6 year old Henry.
A little about Henry taken from his ‘justgiving’ page:
“Henry is a 6 year old from Midsomer Norton, Somerset who loves to be independent and making people smile. At 12 months old he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy spastic diplegia which most noticeably affects Henry's lower limbs making him unable to stand or walk unaided. This has never stopped Henry aiming for better mobility and independence with his determined nature helping him along the way.”
February 2019
Donated high visibility jackets to Julia's house children's hospice in Devizes
December 2018
Frome Falcons power chair football club - Donated footballs, cones, bibs and special goal posts to this great club. They are the only power chair football club in Somerset and we were so happy to help out.
Conductive Education Bristol (group for children with motor disorders in and around Bristol) - We donated a balance bench & a specially adapted scalextric set.
Safe space ( group for children with additional needs, physical or mental) - donated various toys that the group had had on their wish list.
Young carers in Devizes - paid for the group to go on an outing
October & November 2018
High visibility jackets to schools & pre schools
August & September 2018
High visibility jackets delivered to pre-schools
July 2018
Back in May we asked our followers to vote online for their favourite local cause to be awarded with £2,000. 'Rainbows Early years' in Trowbridge won and the pre-school plan to turn a rather sad looking room into a sensory room for the children with special needs.
We also decided to give smaller amounts to the 3 runners up which were greatly appreciated.
March 2018
Hundreds of high visibility vests given out to children in schools, pre schools and childminders.
February 2018
Hundreds of high visibility vests given out to schools, nurseries and childminders
December 2017
We have launched 'Finlay's fund', an opportunity for groups that work with children with special needs, emotional or physical to benefit form a £2000 donation from us. If you are interested, please send us a message with your email address for an application form.
Hundreds of high visibility jackets were given out to schools and nursery schools across 3 counties.
November 2017
The Finlay Foundation has joined The Royal United hospital's 'build a brick club' by donating £1000 to the cost of their new cancer centre building in Bath.
We delivered hundreds of high visibility jackets to schools, nurseries and child minders all over Wiltshire.
October 2017
We delivered much needed play equipment & beautiful story sacks to the Rainbow Trust Children's Charity. They visit sick children in hospitals and had asked us for some story sacks as they are expensive to put together. Each bag is bursting with soft toy characters plus props to make each story book come to life. We also included some play things for when they visit the child and their siblings. (photos in gallery).
August & September 2017
Donated hundreds of high visibility jackets to children in nursery schools, primary schools and child minding groups across Wiltshire.
May 2017
Donated £500 towards the cost of a garden renovation for Harry Greenaway, a disabled boy from Pewsey. Harry is 17 and unable to walk on his own so either crawls or uses a frame. His mum is fundraising to make the garden level and safe to allow Harry more accessibility.
April 2017
Donated £500 to jai, a little boy from Market Lavington who has FOXG1 syndrome. The money is towards a very special tandem bike that would allow Jai more freedom.
January 2017
Donated high visibility jackets to scout group in Shalbourne
Donated high visibility jackets to Preshute primary school
December 2016
Bought toys for the children staying in refuges in Swindon & Devizes area
Bought toys & play equipment to the children at the Hope centre in Bristol who are have suffered from sexual abuse.
Donated hundreds of hight visibility jackets to schools and scout groups in Wiltshire & surrounding counties.
July 2016
Donated money to 'Safe space'
We donated £550 to the group 'Safe Space' to enable them to purchase desperately needed toys.
Safe Space is a registered charity run by volunteers based near Bristol. It provides stay & play sessions for families of children with additional needs ranging from physical disabilities, Down's syndrome to learning difficulties plus conditions awaiting diagnosis.
Donated high visibility jackets to 'Fairford primary school' in Gloucestershire.
May 2016
Donated high visibility jackets to 1st Rainbow group, Frome
April 2016
Donated £15,000 to 'Uplands School' in Swindon
Uplands is a school for students with severe or profound multiple learning difficulties. The Finlay Foundation have given the school £15,000 to create a new sensory room for the children. A specialist company will begin work soon and as soon as it is finished we will share the photos.
Thank you for all of your support to the Finlay Foundation & for making this possible
Donated high visibility jackets to the following groups
'Rainbows' pack Frome
St Johns first school, Frome
March 2016
Donated high visibility jackets to the following groups
Pewsey cub & scout group
Devizes cub & scout group
Chatterbox nursery, Upavon
Puddle Ducks nursery, Pewsey
January 2016
Donated high visibility jackets to a childminder in Rushall
November 2015
Creating a complete sensory room for Uplands School in Swindon
Uplands is a school for students with severe (SLD) or profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD) aged 11 – 19 years and/or Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC). Attainment on entry for all our students is well below the national age related expectation and all our students have statements of SEN.
Donated high visibility vests to the following groups
Holy Trinity CE primary academy in Great Cheverell
child minder in All Cannings
'Little Bears' pre-school in Bishop's Cannings
October 2015
Bought a new roof for the round house at Grove Farm Woodland Centre in Stitchcombe near Marlborough
This is a fantastic organisation run by Simon Keith, that works with children ranging from nursery school age up to teenagers. Some of the children do have emotional & physical problems, with many coming from Uplands special school in Swindon. Simon also works with excluded youth, helping them back in to school. Simon told me, "For younger children it is all about exploring nature & being able to play, welcoming fun in the wilderness for children to be children .
The teens I work with it is about finding themselves , learning new skills, they do exams here to get themselves back in to school"
Bought equipment for 'Spiritus' in Great Cheverell
This is a centre which uses Equine Assisted Horse Psychotherapy (EAP) incorporates horses experientially for mental and behavioural health therapy and personal development. It is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse professional working with the clients and horses to address treatment goals. Because of its intensity and effectiveness, it is considered a short-term, or "brief" approach.
EAP is experiential in nature. This means that participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviors, and patterns.
Donated high visibility vests to
child minder in Rushall
Pewsey Vale primary school
September 2015
Donated £1000 to 'Play Gloucestershire' to enable them to refurbish one of their play buses that takes free play sessions to children come rain or shine across Gloucestershire & surrounding counties.
Donated high visibility jackets to Woodborough primary school
Donated toys, dvds, a dvd player & art & craft materials to The Royal United Hospital in Bath
See testimonial page
Donated high visibility jackets to Brinkworth pre-school, a disability group near Royal Wootton Bassett, Ashton Keynes primary school & 1st Crudwell Scout group. It was lovely to see all the smiling faces and hear such kind & appreciative words. Looking forward to seeing some photos of the children wearing them. xx
Donated high visibility jackets to 'The Avenue Day nursery in Savernake forest'
Donated high visibility jackets to 'Oare kids pre-school' in Oare, wiltshire.
June 2015
Donated outdoor toys to Aster Living in Devizes who will distribute the toys to children staying in women's refuges over Wiltshire
Donated High visibility jackets to children at 'The Avenue day nursery in Marlborough
Donated sensory toys & equipment to 'Hop Skip & Jump' in Swindon & Cheltenham
Hop, skip & jump supports families by providing respite and play & stay sessions for families. They help children with additional needs, children in care, any child that needs support in their area and beyond.
Donated sensory toys to 'Hop, skip & Jump' in Bristol
Hop, skip & jump supports families by providing respite and play & stay sessions for families. They help children with additional needs, children in care, any child that needs support in their area and beyond.
March 2015
Donated a selection of toys to 'Incredible Kids' in Bradley Stoke, Bristol
Toys donated to the charity run group 'Incredible Kids' in Bradley Stoke, Bristol. The charity provides play & support services to families in the Greater Bristol area with a child with a disability or additional need to reduce inequality and social isolation.
Jennie from the group was 'overwhelmed' by the donation.
Donated £1000 to Great Western Air Ambulance
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Donated £1000 to Wiltshire Air Ambulance
February 2015
Donated high visibility vests to 'Michelle Wyatt Childcare' in Pewsey
January 14th, 2015
Donated 100 high visibility jackets to the children at Harnham Infant school in Salisbury.
December 15th, 2014
Donated toys to the babies the refuge has staying with them in Salisbury
Donated toys to the children staying at the 'Hope' charity's refuges in central Bristol.
December 2nd, 2014
Donated toys to Kennett Homestart who help disadvantaged children
December 1st 2014
Donated toys to children that will be staying in refuges this Christmas all over Wiltshire
See Testimonial page
November 17th 2014
National road safety week started this week and to honour this, The Finlay Foundation has handed out hundreds of high visibility jackets to children including those from 'Whitesheet Academy primary school in Zeals, 'Little Bears' nursery school in Devizes, 'Heathcote nursery school' in Devizes, Bishops Cannings Brownie groups and 'Sunflowers at Grafton' nursery school.
August, 2014
August 30th 2014
The Finlay Foundation have bought an 'Access 303 wide' sailing dinghy for 'all aboard' water sports in Bristol.
We chose to help 'Sailability' as many hundreds of children will benefit over the years from being able to be taken out in the boat. The following is taken from their website,
"Our vision is to have more integrated sailing, whereby people with an impairment are supported to sail in a mainstream environment. Participants may have physical, mental emotional or perception difficulties but all are encouraged to take part in water based activity. It is often the first time that they are able to feel free from a debilitating condition and to be involved in such a challenging activity. We are delighted to be able to work alongside the Access Ignite Programme to extend the opportunities we are able to offer to groups and schools.Individuals can self refer or come through the Hospital Service, Care Homes, Social Services, Specialist Organisations and Special Schools."
The boat has been made in Finlay's favourite colour yellow and will have our logo on both sides of the sail and will have 'Finlay Joseph' written on the bow of the boat. The boat will arrive in Bristol on Saturday 30th August which is the 'Access traveller trophy' racing event. There will also be a mini launch celebration.Thank you to all our supporters for making this possible x
June 2014
Donation of toys to Little Bridge House, children's Hospice, Devon, June 2014
After asking the Hospice what they needed for the children, we bought 2 'cozy coupe' ride on cars for toddlers plus many other toys
Please see testimonial page & gallery
Donation of toys to Charlton Farm, children's Hospice, North Somerset, June, 2014
After asking the Hospice what they needed for the children, we bought 2 bikes plus many other toys.
The Finlay Foundation donated a selection of toys, play equipment and 2 bikes to the hospice after we found out what they needed for the children.
Hi Niki/ Finlay Foundation
"Many thanks for the bikes and toys, all received here at Charlton Farm. The children and families are delighted with these gifts, the care team are arranging photographs to be taken and these will be forwarded shortly.Once again many thanks for your wonderful donation."
Kind regards
Tina"
Donation for the children staying in a refuge in Swindon, 19th June 2014
A refuge in Swindon were delighted when Liz from The Finlay Foundation asked them if there was anything we could buy to help the 20 plus children who unfortunately were staying there. The refuge asked if we could buy some guinea pigs and hutches to help the children who stay there smile. The following was received from Abby who works at the refuge alongside photos of the guinea pigs;
Please see gallery & Testimonial page
Toy donation to The children's ward at the Royal United hospital in Bath, 16th June, 2014
The Finlay Foundation make a second donation to the children's ward at the RUH in Bath. The hospital were very grateful and it was really good to hear how much the children have enjoyed the toys, craft materials and stickers we donated back in January.
A few words from the children's ward manager Denise Greenman;
"We really do appreciate your on-going support of the ward, it makes such a difference to the children. Please thank all your supporters for their efforts."
The Finlay foundation donated high visibility jackets to the children and adult leaders at 1st Upavon Scout Group. 11th June, 2014
Photo on gallery
April, 2014
Donation of toys to Ellie, a little local girl who has been fighting blood cancer for a few years, April 2014
Please see gallery for a photo of Ellie with her toys donated by The Finlay Foundation & a few words on the testimonial page from her father.
January, 2014
The Royal United Hospital, Bath, January 2014
The Finlay Foundation donated a large selection of toys, art & craft materials, dvd's etc to the children's ward at the hospital. Lyn, a play specialist was extremely grateful for the donation as there isn't any money within the hospital budget to provide these much needed things for the children.
Please see photo in gallery. Testimonial to follow
Donation of high visibility vests to a child minder in Pewsey, January 2014
November, 2013
The Great Western Hospital, Swindon, November 2013
Claire Parks, the senior hospital play specialist at The Great Western Hospital in Swindon contacted us and asked if would could help them out with an art & craft and sticker order for the children. We last delivered these stickers to them in August 2012 and Claire told me they were delighted as they had lasted a whole year! Claire said the stickers and craft materials mean so much to the children and are things that the hospital budget does not cover. The stickers are given to the children who have for example, given blood, sat still for an x-ray, been brave etc. We also bought them a large assortment of craft & activity kits which really help to cheer up the children and helps them to de-stress whilst staying in hospital.
Photo & testimonial to follow
October 2013
Woodborough primary School, October, 2013
The Finlay Foundation donated high visibility vests to the school children, the head teacher, Mrs Brewis was very grateful for the donation, "THANK YOU so much for the high viz jackets that the Finlay Foundation provided for us at the start of term. It is really brilliant that all of the children are able to have a jacket on 'permanent loan' from the school."
Photo on gallery page
September 2013
Donation to Naomi House Hospice, September 2013
The Finlay Foundation has donated various things to Naomi House Hospice over the last 2 years we have been running.We have bought items such as toys, games, books, art materials and remote control toy cars. The Finlay foundation bought 4 very special remote control cars for the children at the request of the head of play services. The cars have controls that can be used by children with disabilities. The staff at the hospice are planning to host a 'Track Opening Night' soon and are hoping that Damon Hill may attend the event. The children are currently writing their own testimonials for us but in the meantime please take a look at the gallery for photos of the staff and children enjoying the cars.
July 2013
Urchfont pre/primary school, 19th July, 2013
We donated high visibility vests to the children who use the after school club at Urchfont school at the request of the after school club supervisor.
SWIFT medics, 2013
We donated £1000 raised from the Finlay Foundation Avon Gorge abseil in April. SWIFT Medics are in the process of recruiting new volunteer doctors and are currently training one volunteer, This £1000 will help "fund the majority of Dr.Constantin Jabarin's additional medical training to work for SWIFT Medics".
June, 2013
Great Western Air Ambulance, 6th June, 2013
We donated £5000 raised from the Finlay Foundation Avon Gorge abseil in April.
photo on Gallery page
St John's School, Marlborough, June, 2012
The Finlay Foundation were asked to provide high visibility vests to the school children by local councillor Justin Cook. Justin felt there was a real need for the vests as he told us that the traffic around the school was bad.
May 2013
Wiltshire air ambulance, 28th May, 2013
The Finlay Foundation donated a further £2000 raised from our Avon Gorge Abseil in April.
The Finlay Foundation has shared profits from previous Finlay foundation events with The Wiltshire Air Ambulance who flew Finlay to Swindon Hospital. We have also had family members and friends who have fundraised for them and donated thousands of pounds in Finlay's memory.
Please see photos on 'Gallery' page
'Skilled for health', a local charity group, May 2013
The Finlay Foundation donated 2 CPR manikin training devices to assist with their first aid training for parents who care for babies and young children.
April 2013
The Barbara Russell children's unit at Frenchay Hospital, 16th April, 2013
We delivered a large selection of specialist sensory toys to the unit. The staff were extremely grateful for the donation from the Finlay Foundation and cannot wait to use them with the children, many of which suffer from brain injury/damage.
photo on 'Gallery' page
March, 2013
St Mary's primary school, Marlborough, March 2013
We delivered high visibility jackets to the children in reception & years 1 and 2 for when they are on walks/outings in and outside the town.
Photo on 'Gallery' page
Nursteed Primary school, Devizes, March 2013
We delivered high visibility jackets for the children in reception and years 1 & 2 to wear whilst out of school grounds on walks/outings.
February, 2013
Naomi House Children's Hospice, February 8th 2013
We delivered 2 more very special remote controlled toy cars to the hospice .
December, 2012
Salisbury Hospital, December 18th, 2012
We delivered a selection of toys to the staff at Salisbury hospital, the toys will be distributed between the play rooms and wards within the hospital. The staff were very grateful for the donation.
Photo on 'Gallery' page
The Opportunity Centre, Devizes, December 18th, 2012
We took a selection of toys to the Opportunity Centre. The centre provides a day care centre for children under 5 years old with learning or physical disabilities. The staff were very grateful for the toys and so were the children.
Photo on 'Gallery' page
Swindon Hospital, December
We delivered a selection of toys to The Great Western Hospital in Bristol. The staff were thrilled with the toys and will put them in the play room on the childrens ward.
Photo on 'Gallery' page
November, 2012
Busy Bees nursery school, Upavon, Wiltshire, November 26th 2012
We delivered high visibility vests to the children & staff at the nursery. These will enable the children to be clearly seen whilst walking around the village.
photo on 'Gallery' page
Bubbles pre-school in Pewsey, Wiltshire, November 26th, 2012
We delivered high visibility vests to the children & staff at the nursery. These will enable the children to be clearly seen whilst out walking around the village.
Please see 'Gallery' page for photograph
Naomi House & Jack's Place Children's Hospice, November 16th, 2012
The Finlay foundation bought 2 very special remote control cars for the children at the request of the head of play services. The cars have controls that can be used by children with disabilities. The children & staff were thrilled with the cars and look forward to all the fun they will provide.
Please see photo on 'Gallery' page.
September, 2012
Bristol Royal Children's Hospital, September 11th, 2012
We purchased a full size outdoor table tennis table for one of the children's ward play areas in the hospital. This was put forward as a suggestion from Elaine when I asked her what the children would like to use. Elaine said that they had had their current table tennis table for 12 years and it was starting to look tatty and need repairs. I hope the new table gives at least another decade of fun to even more children.
photo on 'Gallery' page
August, 2012
Great Western Hospital, Swindon, August 28th, 2012
The Finlay foundation has purchased some new furniture for the children's ward waiting area in the hospital. 2 pirate themed tables with chairsAn 'under the sea' themed corner placement carpetA soft seating area These items were suggested by the senior hospital play specialist when asked if there was something the Finlay Foundation could buy that would be long lasting. The hospital are so very grateful and have said they would have had to of done so much fundraising to of been able to purchase the furniture themselves and can now use the money they do have on more toys, art materials etc. for the children.
photo on 'Gallery' page
Great Western hospital, Swindon, August 8th, 2012
I met up with Claire Parks, the senior hospital play specialist in Swindon and delivered 12,000 stickers that Claire had expressed an interest in when I had asked them what would be good for the children. Claire was delighted with the stickers especially as they mean so much to the children and are things that the hospital budget does not cover.
Please see testimonial page.
March, 2012
Naomi House Children's Hospice, hampshire, March 28th, 2012
The Finlay Foundation delivered a box of various board games and books to the hospice. Everyone was very grateful for the gift from the Finlay Foundation. Thank you so much to Pam and the staff for showing us around this truly amazing and special place.
Please see testimonial page
Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, March 27th, 2012
The Finlay Foundation delivered a large box of art & craft materials plus books to the play department at the hospital. The staff were very grateful for the donation and very kindly showed us around the hospital. Thank you especially to Jane and Elaine for making us feel very welcome and showing us how special the hospital is.
Please see testiomonial page
February, 2012
Rushall church of England primary school, February, 2012
We donated high visibility jackets to the children and staff at the school for when they visit the allotment, go on walks around the village and go out on school trips.
Please see Testimonial page
Pewsey Scout/cub & beaver group, February 2012
The Finlay Foundation bought Some high visibility jackets for Pewsey scout and cub group. These jackets enable the children to be safer when out on walks around the villages and out on trips.
Please see Testimonial page & photos on the 'Gallery' page.
Oare primary School, February 2012
We donated high visibility jackets to the children and staff at the school for when they visit the allotment, go on walks around the village and go out on school trips.
Please see Testimonial page
September, 2011
The gift of a cooker to Busy Bees nursery in Upavon, September 2011
Please see Testimonial page