Our aim is to provide aid, funding, practical support and encouragement to individuals with physical and/or mental disabilities which has resulted in them facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.
We believe every person has the right to feel valued, have a sense of purpose and to be empowered to achieve their goals regardless of their circumstances.
CiaO is focussed on helping these people achieve their goals.
The CiaO Foundation is a charitable trust that since its inception in 2016 has supported hundreds of individuals in improving their futures, helping them to face the challenges of serious adversity, including paralysis, mental illness and life-changing injuries.
If you are an individual or a team/group of individuals with the determination to overcome such a challenge The CiaO Foundation may be able to help, through a CiaO Grant and mentorship
Applications for CiaO Grants are now open and being accepted, Apply for yours today!
If you have questions regarding whether you can nominate someone to us for a CiaO Grant, how to make an application, or on any aspect of the application process, please do contact us.
We have partnered with many charities and organisations in our work of helping people find opportunity in their challenges. Some have been the catalyst in nominating individuals who need help, where others have been the providers of the much-needed help.
The CiaO Foundation is proud to support the important work of Grief Encounter, a leading UK charity dedicated to helping bereaved children and young people navigate the devastating impact of loss.
At The CiaO Foundation, our mission is to provide aid, funding, practical support and encouragement to individuals with physical and/or mental disabilities who are facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.
For us, providing a CiaO grant is just the beginning of the journey. We are committed to supporting our grant recipients and partner organisations well beyond the application process, offering ongoing mentorship, guidance and encouragement whenever needed.
An important part of this support comes through volunteering.
We are incredibly proud to share that CiaO grant recipient Toby Richardson has won the TCS London Mini Marathon 2026 T54 wheelchair race, setting a new course record in the process.
We would like to introduce you to Craig Sears, one of our latest CiaO Grant recipients, whose determination to rebuild his independence after a life-changing spinal cord injury is nothing short of remarkable. In 2020, Craig sustained a complete C5–C6 injury after a car accident, leaving him paralysed from the chest down and with limited arm and hand function. Living in rural Scotland, where steep gradients, uneven ground and long distances can be part of daily life, Craig has faced significant barriers to getting outdoors, exploring nature and staying connected to his community.
Life can change in an instant. For one CiaO Foundation grant recipient, Terry Lynch, that moment came unexpectedly in July 2022 through asymptomatic Strep A. With no warning signs or sore throat, the infection rapidly developed into severe sepsis. This led to a cascade of life-threatening complications and eventually resulted in the amputation of both legs below the knee and all the fingers on both hands. Terry’s experience highlights the devastating impact of sepsis and the importance of recognising its early signs.
We are incredibly proud to share that CiaO grant recipient Toby Richardson has been named a finalist in the Pride of Swindon Awards 2026.
We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the next round of CiaO Foundation Grants.
The CiaO Foundation is proud to support one of its latest grant recipients, GB paraclimber Luke Smith, whose dedication, resilience, and passion for his sport have already taken him to some of the biggest stages in international climbing. Born with a clubfoot / talipes, Luke has never allowed his condition to define his limits. Instead, he has built a remarkable career in the RP3 paraclimbing category, representing Great Britain, competing at World Cups and World Championships.
