Seven-year-old Ada Minton from Swindon, who has Leukodystrophy, is gearing up to participate in the fully inclusive Parallel Windsor challenge with Variety, the Children’s Charity.
Ada’s condition affects her motor skills, speech, and balance, requiring her to use a wheelchair and a walker for mobility. Her family sought help from Variety for a specialist car seat to support Ada’s neck and ensure her safety during car journeys.
The Minton family was delighted to be invited by the charity to take part in Parallel Windsor 2023. The event, organised by Parallel Lifestyle, features accessible challenges for individuals of all abilities, ages, and fitness levels, with distances ranging from 100m to 10k. Participants also enjoy the Festival of Inclusivity, which includes music, games, and even farmyard animals.
Last year, Ada captured the hearts of the crowd as she completed the 100m challenge alongside her parents, Loran (39) and Chris (34), and her twin brother, Alfred (7). The family is set to return with Team Variety on Sunday, 7th July 2024, as part of the charity’s 75th Anniversary celebrations.
Variety, the Children’s Charity, was brought to the UK in 1949 by HRH Prince Philip and has been dedicated to improving the lives of disabled and disadvantaged children ever since. To mark its milestone anniversary, the charity is assembling a team of 75 people to celebrate their diversity at the event in Windsor.
Sarah Phillips, Variety Challenge Events and Community Partnerships Manager, expressed her excitement: “We are thrilled to be celebrating 75 years of our charity at such an incredible event. Parallel Lifestyle and Variety share the same values of inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility, so it’s only natural that we would team up to make the day extra special. I can’t wait to greet Team Variety in Windsor for a day we’ll never forget!”
Loran Minton shared her family’s enthusiasm for the event: “We absolutely loved Parallel Windsor last year and we can’t wait to come back again in July! It can be tough finding activities that interest and include both Alfred and Ada. Events like this are so important because it’s something we can all do together. We’re so thankful for things like Parallel Windsor that help us build precious memories as a family.”
Andrew Douglass, Founder of Parallel, also expressed his joy in welcoming the Minton family back: “I could not be happier to welcome Ada, Alfie, Loran, and Chris back to Parallel Windsor as part of Team Variety. Our flagship event is all about creating accessible entertainment, where families can have fun together and make some lifelong memories. The team at Parallel will certainly never forget the Minton family, who hold a very special place in our hearts.”
Variety, the Children’s Charity, provides practical support to disabled and disadvantaged children and young people up to the age of 19. Their services include grants for wheelchairs and specialist equipment, accessible transport for schools and non-profit organisations through their famous Sunshine Coaches, and experiences such as Variety Great Days Out and Access Interns work placements.
