Heartfelt plea as cerebral palsy advocates fight to save Calvert Exmoor from closure

Two inspiring individuals with Cerebral Palsy have spoken out about their heartbreak over the possible imminent closure of a charity in North Devon that has shaped their lives.

Through the power of social media, Jake and Grace are using their communities and platforms to encourage others to save the accessible outdoor activity centre from closure in September.

Calvert Exmoor and its onsite Equestrian Centre provide residential breaks and experiences for people with physical, learning, behavioural, sensory or multiple complex disabilities. The charity faces the imminent threat of closure and needs to raise £500,000 to survive.

Grace, a 21-year-old social media influencer who creates content to raise awareness of her disability, has been visiting Calvert Exmoor since she was twelve years old.

Upon learning the news of Calvert Exmoor’s emergency appeal, she turned to her 1.3m TikTok followers for support and engagement. In the video, she expresses her appreciation for the centre and her disappointment that she may not be able to fulfil her holiday plans for next year, when she’s booked to visit again.

She said: “I am so gutted to make this post but, unfortunately, Calvert [Exmoor] are going through a rough time financially. They could even face shutting down, which is just heartbreaking.

“I really hope that people can help them reach their financial goal to keep this amazing place going for many more years, so people like me can enjoy being able to do activities such as abseiling in your wheelchair, zipwiring and so much more.”

She calls to her followers to help, saying “their financial goal is £500,000 and we have 1.3 million people following me. So, even if someone donated 50p, that’s less than a pound, you could help keep Calvert going.”

Grace contacted the centre and offered to share her story, even appearing on TV and social media. Her visits to Calvert Exmoor give her “so much joy and the feeling of being free,” as can be seen in the second half of her TikTok video, which documents the adventure activities she took part in during her last few visits.

Jake, 27, has been visiting Calvert Exmoor since college, becoming a friend to the staff and other guests. He was invited to become a Trustee for the charity in 2023 and gladly accepted. He works in retail and is a powerchair football coach.

Jake helped produce a series of videos, stating: “I will say Calvert Exmoor is in my blood. When I first found out about the centre I struggled in terms of my confidence. I lived a very sheltered life in terms of exposure to disability.

He said: “The whole setup at Calvert Exmoor was a massive eye opener for me. The first time I went on the giant swing and that feeling I got from being dropped from the gymnasium ceiling was something that I will never forget. Coming year after year, my confidence grew, my social skills developed, and I made some fantastic friendships and relationships with guests, staff members and instructors.”

In his most recent video, dated August 22, Jake provided an emotional and vulnerable video for Calvert Exmoor to share on their social media.

He said: “This is a personal appeal from my heart. Calvert Exmoor can’t close. I won’t let it close because Calvert Exmoor is my life! I have made lifelong friends, I have met friends and staff members that I would go as far as to say are my extended family. I don’t have the words to describe the impact that the whole Calvert Exmoor community has on me and the ramifications of it closing. If it does close, there will be a massive hole in my life. Because Calvert Exmoor really did change my life. This is a personal, heartfelt appeal to you that we need you to help us save Calvert Exmoor. So please like, share, donate anything you can because I can’t imagine a world without Calvert Exmoor.”

Any wishing to donate and save Calvert Exmoor, should visit: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/exmoor-calvert-trust/