As The CiaO Foundation celebrates its 10th anniversary, we are catching up with some of the incredible organisations and individuals who have been part of CiaO’s journey over the past decade. One of those is the brilliant Dysart School, which continues to make a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people with severe and complex learning disabilities.
As The CiaO Foundation celebrates its 10th anniversary, we’re catching up with some of the incredible ambassadors, grant recipients and partners who have been part of our journey over the past decade.
First up is long-standing CiaO Ambassador, Rob Tarr, one of the most respected figures in British wheelchair rugby. A three-time Paralymian, former Great Britain captain and now Head of Coaching Programmes for World Wheelchair Rugby, Rob has dedicated his life to developing the sport and inspiring others to achieve their potential.
At just 16 years old, Matthew Haswell from Swanley, Kent, is one of the country’s most promising young Wheelchair Rugby League players. His talent, commitment and determination have seen him recognised by England’s youth pathway programme and excitingly, he has been invited to train with a Super League club, the London Roosters.
The CiaO Foundation is proud to support Emily Wright, a remarkable young athlete whose determination, resilience and ambition continue to inspire everyone around her.
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.
