Readers may remember back in October last year we reported that Christopher Biggins had become a patron of the St Catherine’s charity. This week he made his way to Ventnor for the first time. Thanks to Susan for this report of the event. Ed
Christopher Biggins, a patron of St Catherine’s visited the centre for the first time on Wednesday 14th July 2010.
During his visit Christopher joined the children and young people in their learning and therapy sessions and also took the opportunity to meet trustees and staff.
He was particularly interested in the school play, Spy Glass, wishing the cast good luck for their performances.
After a tour of the school, a question and answer session was held where children and young people from St Catherine’s, as well as pupils from the outreach centres at Carisbrooke High School and Nodehill Middle School were able to grill the actor. Learners were particularly interested in Christopher’s time participating in “I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here” which he won in 2007, asking him what his worst challenge was and what was the most disgusting thing he had to eat during his time in the jungle.
Before leaving St Catherine’s, Christopher was presented with a Union Jack plaque inscribed with “Keep Calm and Carry On performing”, which he was delighted with. Before leaving, he said he was very impressed with St Catherine’s, it had a special atmosphere and was an inspiring place and that he had had a wonderful time meeting the children and young people.
Mr Shipley, principal of St Catherine’s said “Christopher was absolutely fantastic. He listened to the children, answered all their questions and was very interested in understanding speech, language and communication disabilities and the work of St Catherine’s. We were bowled over by his enthusiasm.”
Image: St Catherine’s learner, Alex receiving an autograph from Christopher Biggins.
