Phoenix’s mum, Lora, says: “Our family has been coming to SNAPS since 2017, when Phoenix was around 18 months. From the moment we walked through the door, we felt safe. We were around people with similar journeys to us, we weren’t judged, only supported by staff and other families which was a weight off our shoulders after we had Phoenix’s diagnosis. 

“Since then, SNAPS has become an integral part of our lives. Phoenix has accessed so many therapies and opportunities that he wouldn’t otherwise have been able to have accessed. Rebound, swimming and hydrotherapy have been his main Saturday activities over the years and stay and play has made him feel included and accepted in a world that can be incredibly hard to find your place in.

“We have also done a lot of other activities that have been offered by SNAPS such as the holiday activities. We had our first worry free cinema trip with SNAPS. It was brilliant to be able to give Phoenix an opportunity to do the things that other families don’t have to think twice about. I honestly don’t think we would be the family we are able to be today if it wasn’t for SNAPS. They support us as a whole family unit and have provided opportunities for myself and Phoenix’s Dad, Phoenix’s sister Blake and his grandparents who have also attended sessions with us.

“A personal favourite part of SNAPS is the parent massages. As well as being a lovely bit of time for me to be able to relax, having a child with a physical disability also can put stress on my body so this really helps with my physical and mental wellbeing. 

“Last year Phoenix was given the opportunity after appearing in video for SNAPS, to speak to the team at BBC Children in Need and featured on BBC Radio 2, talking about what a difference SNAPS has made to his life. As a result of this, Phoenix was invited to Bolton Wanderers stadium to speak to Zoe Ball live on air and meet Vernon Kay at the end of his ultra ultra marathon challenge for Children in Need, who have also helped to fund swimming and hydrotherapy sessions at SNAPS. This opportunity made his life as he has a keen interest for all things celebrity and TV and strives to one day be on TV. So not only has SNAPS helped Phoenix with therapies, recreation and wellbeing, they have also helped to ignite a passion in Phoenix that could take him through his life.

“SNAPS means so much to us as a family and we’ve always wanted to give back and make sure that other families are able to have the experience and support that we have. Phoenix’s dad decided that he would take on multiple cycling challenges over the years for SNAPS. Overall so far we have raised a little over £25k to help SNAPS support as many families as possible and we will continue to do so where we can.

“As a parent of SNAPS I have also had the opportunity to be on the board of trustees a role in which I feel is really important to bring the voice of all parents back to the board and help to drive change where needed and to continue delivering the incredible services that are already provided. 

“We are immensely proud to be a part of this wonderful charity and can’t thank every single member of the team that makes it possible enough.” 

You can listen to Phoenix and Lora speaking to BBC Radio 2 here.