"We saw smiles from children we'd never seen smile before' Winter ball for disabled children in Doncaster is big hit

Laura Lou Wilburn, aged 30, is a support worker for disabled children and young adults.

She is part of the FAB group which helps children across South Yorkshire access services which they have not been able to do due to their disabilities.

She said: “I was approached by a young person who said they had never been to a prom.

“I was shocked to learn that special needs schools don’t have the facilities for proms.

“I was set on a mission and began to plan it.”

Laura approached the Best Western Mount Pleasant hotel in Rossington who hosted the ball free of charge and provided a red carpet.

Lots of local businesses got involved - Linda Dress donated prom dresses, Tickhill Pink suited up all the boys, Lindsay Mcglone lent her talents at makeup, Molly Mascots donated a chocolate fountain, Marquis Travel, and Luxe Travel was prom day transport for all the ball attendees and their support workers.

“Disabled children are often forgotten about by society and don’t have a chance to access events such as this one,” Laura continued.

“Even two or three years ago this would not have been possible.”

The prom was held on December 15, and 28 children and their support workers were able to attend the festive bash.

She said: “We saw smiles from children we’d never seen smile before.

“It’s all about making memories and them enjoying themselves in a non-judgemental space.”

The group is currently small but wants to expand in the future to give opportunities to other children.

“We want to give the children of South Yorkshire with complex needs the chance to experience new things and have new adventures,” she added.

The FAB group is made up of four committee members Mary Purdy, Sue Hughes, Laura Wilburn and Clare Williams

They’re looking for donations over the festive period so that they can start planning a Summer Ball and make a trip to Disney Land with the children next year.

You can donate here.