Dad’s wedding gift to charity that helps disabled son

James Parkinson recently married Amanda Dugdale at St Nicholas’s Church, in the village, watched by his children Florence, Harry, Nainsi and Vincent.

And their generous friends and families gave a very special wedding present of £1,500 to The Seashell Trust.

Vincent (14), has Down Syndrome – a hearing and visual impairment with epilepsy and features of autism and therefore needs round-the-clock care. He is a residential student at the Seashell Trust-run Royal School Manchester.

The national charity, which is based in Cheadle, Hulme in Cheshire, provides education and permanent residential care for children and young people aged two to 25 with profound learning disabilities and sensory impairments.

They have some of the most complex needs and disabilities in society including deafness, blindness and autism, combined with physical disabilities and profound learning difficulties.

James said: “Although Vincent had quite a lot of seizure activity on the day, probably due to all the excitement, he was a real star. He looked a million dollars in his suit and tie.

“Seashell care staff Sue Williams and Steven Holding gave up their time to support Vincent on our special day. We are so grateful to Seashell for all the opportunities they are giving Vincent and felt it most appropriate to ask family and friends to make a donation instead of gifts.

“The money is going towards a fabulous new playground as part of a development of new four-bedroom houses Seashell is building on its campus.”

Dominic Tinner, head of fund-raising at Seashell Trust, said: “This is such a kind gesture. Once completed early next year the new playground will make a huge difference to all the children and young people who will be living at Seashell.”