Miriam Watson-Pratt - SNAPS Yorkshire CIO

SNAPS Superhero Challenge: 31st May, 2026

Miriam Watson-Pratt — Sat, 31 May 2025 11:00:10 +0000

Event details

Sunday, 31st May 2026
10.30am to 12.30pm
John Charles Centre for Sport, Middleton Grove, Leeds
Registration fee: £0 to £12 (depending on registration option)
Minimum fundraising target: £55
Register here

Get ready for an unforgettable experience – the SNAPS Superhero Challenge is back!

This inclusive, fun run-style event gives children with the chance to feel like superheroes for the day, while raising vital funds for an incredible cause.

What to Expect

All ages and abilities are welcome! Children can walk, run, or wheel* around the 400m athletics track, cheered on by supporters, and cross the finish line to receive their very own Superhero Challenge medal. Each child sets their own distance goal – whether it’s half a lap, a full lap, or as many as they can manage!

But that’s just the start! The day will be packed with accessible, family-friendly activities, including:

🦸 Superhero meet & greet
🏰 Bouncy castle
🎈Inflatable soft play
🚨Fire brigade and police visits
🎨Face painting
🧶Craft and sensory play
🏉Inclusive sport
🎲 Games and lots more surprises!

Why It Matters

The SNAPS Superhero Challenge is a safe, fun, and inclusive space for families. Our venue is fully accessible and enclosed, with stewards at exit points, and all staff and entertainers have experience supporting children with additional needs.

At SNAPS, we receive no government funding to deliver our services, so events like this are crucial to keeping our doors open. By taking part, you’ll help us provide life-changing support for children and families who need us most.

How to Join

Option 1: Family Fundraising Ticket

Register your family for free and commit to raising £55 in sponsorship – enough to fund one SNAPS physiotherapy session. Every family that hits their target will receive a special gift!

Option 2: Pay Per Child

Prefer not to fundraise? You can register for £12 per child instead.

If either option is difficult for you, please contact us.

Thank you for supporting SNAPS and helping us make the impossible possible for children with additional needs.

*Wheelchairs, walkers, and pushchairs welcome.

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Our 20th Birthday Party & Super Stars Awards

Miriam Watson-Pratt — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 13:47:29 +0000

We were joined by SNAPS families, founders, Business Heroes, corporate supporters and local heroes to help celebrate our 20^th birthday earlier this month.

There was a red carpet to welcome everyone, as well as party games, dancing, singing, crafting, a photo booth, magical drinks and of course, cake!

We didn’t only celebrate SNAPS and the work that we do, but also our amazing children with our annual Superstar Awards. Often, our families are told about all the things that their child won’t be able to do. At SNAPS, we celebrate all the things that they CAN do. We often find that with our support, children can achieve life changing milestones that other health professionals told them wouldn’t be possible, such as walking unaided. The SNAPS Super Stars Awards were all about recognising every child’s achievements.

A huge thank you to all of our sponsors who funded the morning and helped make it truly magical – Manning Stainton, Fletchers Group, Newton Waterproofing Systems, Ikon Design Ltd and Taylor Wimpey plc. And a big thank you to our incredible volunteers from Strata, Hippo and Fowler and Powell who worked hard throughout the morning to ensure decorations and balloons were ready, drinks were filled, cake was sliced and the craft table was full! You can find lots of photos of the event over at our Facebook page.

If you’re looking for the perfect way to wish us a happy birthday, we’re encouraging supporters to make a one off donation of £20 to celebrate our 20 years. By donating £20 today, you can help ensure SNAPS is still here tomorrow and for years to come. Click here to make a donation.

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National Lottery Award Funding

Miriam Watson-Pratt — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 15:25:11 +0000

SNAPS is delighted to have received a grant of £9,312 from the Awards for All National Lottery Community Fund, towards services at our Penny Field site.

The funding will be used to provide hydrotherapy, swimming, music lessons, dance sessions and stay and play activities.

SNAPS is very grateful to the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting our vital work.

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SNAPS AGM

Miriam Watson-Pratt — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 19:26:40 +0000

SNAPS is delighted to invite you to our AGM on Saturday 27^th January at 10am at Broomfield SILC. Please see attached documents for further information.

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Phoenix and Lora on BBC Radio 2

Miriam Watson-Pratt — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 12:33:38 +0000

The amazing Phoenix was invited to share his thoughts on SNAPS on BBC Radio 2, as part of the run up to Children in Need. Phoenix attended the BBC’s studios with his mum, Lora, where they were interviewed about their experiences of SNAPS and how much of a difference our services have made to them.

We are so proud of Phoenix and what he has achieved at SNAPS.

If you want to listen out on BBC Radio 2, you might hear the replay of Phoenix over the next few days but can also listen to it here.

Phoenix is proof that the services that SNAPS provide really does make a positive different to the children we work with.

If you would like to donate to help keep these vital services available, you can do so here.

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Florence’s Swimming Journey at SNAPS

Miriam Watson-Pratt — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 19:04:23 +0000

SNAPS and Leanne have been extremely lucky to be finalists in this years aquatic excellence awards with the STA, in the categories for ‘not for profit organization of the year’ and ‘swimming teacher of the year’.

To even be considered for this is such a privilege. Here, Leanne shares her experience of one of our fantastic swimmers, Florence, to showcase why swimming at SNAPS is so important.

Leanne says: “Florence took my hand and led me on her swimming journey in September 2021. One year prior, she had survived a very rare pediatric stroke and was adapting to a completely new way of life. The moment I saw her medical history alongside her age, I was in shock. How could someone so small survive something so big?! Then I met Florence and it all made sense. She is bold, brave, courageous, and resilient. She had no boundaries, her world in the water was limitless. This might be another day at work for me, but for Florence it was a world in which she could thrive, be the best and try her hand at just about anything. It was a safe space.

“Walking in that door each week with a smile on her face and a ‘can do’ attitude, she quickly progressed through the Rockhopper badges. She of course went beyond the badge skills, and learned how to forward roll, surface dive and complete a kneeling dive. These are skills ordinarily reserved for swimmers who can swim all four strokes!

“Florence was always one step ahead of me, so she had her first attempt at mainstream swimming. Unfortunately, this led to a huge knock to her confidence. This was absolutely not Florence’s fault. When she returned to me at SNAPS, you would have thought nothing of it, as she got straight in and straight to work without hesitation. The resilience will forever amaze me. Florence was enjoying her time in the water and once again, achieving badges faster than ever expected!

“Take 2…lets try this again. It was time to meet Ethan at Swimbrite Swimming School. Florence was understandably very anxious about trying mainstream lessons again, so her family were able to arrange a 1.1 with Ethan to help her settle. I went along with her, and Ethan gave us both a lesson! Florence and Ethan clicked immediately, he took the time to get to know her and her confidence flourished once again.

Ethan explains: “When Florence first came with me, I was unsure what to expect. As soon as she climbed in she had the biggest smile on her face and was so confident in the water. It was amazing to see. Half way through the lesson, Leanne was able to step out as Florence was growing in confidence, which was amazing!

“Following this, Florence joined one of my group lessons with five other children, all around the same ability as her. The first week, she had all of her swimming aids: armbands and pool noodle. I was unsure how Florence would compare to the other swimmers, as they had all been in lessons with me the previous term. In only three weeks in however, I was very happy to see that she was one of the strongest swimmers in the class. She has made such huge progress in such a small space of time and is now swimming independently without armbands or floats. She is amongst the strongest swimmers in the group. I really enjoy teaching Florence. It is amazing to see how much she has progressed in such a small space of time!”

Leanne continues: “Florence entered the SNAPS pool for the first time in September 2021. By September 2023, she is swimming in a mainstream group lesson with five others and is swimming unaided, and with a beautiful stroke I might add!

“She has overcome more than any child at her age should have to, and her bravery and resilience is a testament to her character and her amazing family. SNAPS gave her the best start to her swimming journey, giving her time to build strength in her left side and allowing her to keep up with her peers. She however, brought to SNAPS a whole lot of bravery, strength and resilience of her own. She also took away all of our hearts as she walked out the door!”

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Mark Bramfitt’s Step Challenge for SNAPS

Miriam Watson-Pratt — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 19:08:43 +0000

500,000 steps in a month sounds a big challenge for some, but one that Mark is taking head on!

Mark Bramfitt has pledged to walk 500,000 steps during the month of July to help fundraise for SNAPS.

Last year, Marks charity was Little Hiccups, who provided his grandson, Jack, with much needed support. Jack was diagnosed with epilepsy and cerebral palsy due to complications soon after birth.

SNAPS was Marks charity of choice this time, as Jack attends Penny Fields school for hydrotherapy, which is where the family learnt about SNAPS and the work we do to help children with additional needs and their families.

Earlier this year, Mark underwent a full knee replacement and decided that walking 500,000 steps in a single month would be challenging, but would also aid his own recovery.

Mark is the Develop Manager/Coach for North East Leeds Juniors Football Club and works with children from reception up until year 2. He is passionate about football and loves working with kids to instil not only football skills, but the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. He believes these are transferable skills to other areas of the children’s lives.

We would like to thank Mark for his amazing fundraising efforts and wish him the best of luck as he completes his 500,000 steps in July!

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SNAPS Weston Charity Awards 2023 Winner

Miriam Watson-Pratt — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 19:33:27 +0000

SNAPS is thrilled to have had the impact of our current services and future ambitions recognised with our selection as a 2023 Weston Charity Awards winner!

The award gives the charity the chance to invest in its future with ten months of strategic planning support from a dedicated team of four business experts, thanks to pro bono charity Pilotlight and a core grant of £6,500 from the Garfield Weston Foundation.

SNAPS was chosen from over 100 applicants, all of which are frontline charities delivering youth, welfare, community or environment services in the North of England, the Midlands and Wales.

Lucy Owen, Chief Executive at SNAPS, says:

“SNAPS is an amazing charity supporting many familie,s but we know that there is a huge need out there for us to do more. This exciting award will support SNAPS to grow into the future in a sustainable way to allow us to be there for more children and families in the future.

“We have ambitious plans for the charity, and we hope that this incredible opportunity with Pilotlight and the funding from the Garfield Weston Foundation will offer invaluable support to help us realise our ambitions to grow our service delivery over the coming years.”

In congratulating SNAPS, Philippa Charles, Director of the Garfield Weston Foundation said:

“Our Trustees are delighted to be able to support a record number of charities this year through the Weston Charity Awards. The Awards underscore the Foundation’s passion for nurturing and empowering charities to thrive and support those who need it most.”

Ed Mayo, Chief Executive of Pilotlight, the charity which is connecting SNAPS with a team of coaches drawn from a range of businesses and other organisations said:

“When you fall, you want someone to catch you. Small charities offer a safety net for so many people who are vulnerable and in need. Yet small charities typically do not have the support and help that they need themselves in order to sustain their work and spread their impact. We are proud to be able to assist 22 inspiring charities through the Weston Charity Awards over the coming year.”

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People Project Winners!

Miriam Watson-Pratt — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 18:20:43 +0000

SNAPS is one of the winners of the National Lottery People’s Project!

On ITV Calendar News on Thursday 1st June, SNAPS was announced as one of three winners for the Peoples Project. We are absolutely thrilled to share that we will be receiving £67,429 of National Lottery funding to support our work. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who voted for us to help us secure this funding. This money will help to fund services at one of our sites for a whole year and make such a difference to so many children and families!We couldn’t have done it without the support of all our SNAPS family and friends who help champion SNAPS and vote for us. Thank you so much to everyone who voted for us.Our Chief Executive, Lucy Owen, says:

“This is absolutely amazing news for SNAPS! We are so grateful to the People’s Project, not only for the funds which are incredible and will make such a difference to our work, but also for the opportunity it has presented to raise awareness of SNAPS and our vital work helping children and families. Thank you so much to our wonderful community and everyone who voted, you are amazing! By casting a vote for SNAPS you have truly made a difference to the lives of so many people.”For anyone who didn’t get chance to see our original film and the work we do at SNAPS, you can view this link or you can get in touch with the team – fundraising@snapsyorkshire.orgFor now we just want to say an enormous thank you!!

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People’s Project: SNAPS Needs Your Vote!

Miriam Watson-Pratt — Tue, 16 May 2023 19:01:05 +0000

We are calling on all our family and friends to help SNAPS secure £63,000 of National Lottery funding by voting for us in this year’s The People’s Projects.

Please show your support and vote for SNAPS by midday on Friday 26^th May via this link.

SNAPS is one of five groups in Yorkshire in the running for a share of almost £250,000 of funding. If successful, SNAPS will use the money to fund a whole year of support at one our sites! That means more services for you are families!

The People’s Projects not only delivers vital grants to the heart of UK communities, but also raises awareness of the incredible work of the 95 shortlisted community groups vying for your vote. Back after a 3-year break, The National Lottery Community Fund, ITV, UTV and the Sunday Mail (in Scotland) have teamed up to give the public a chance to decide how National Lottery funding should be put to good use in their local area.

In each region, the three projects with the most public votes will receive grants of up to £70,000. This funding will help make a real difference to people’s lives, particularly in these difficult times. The runner’s up in each region will be offered up to £10,000 towards their project, bringing the total funding up for grabs for communities across the UK to over £4 million.

SNAPS will be featured on ITV Calendar from 6pm on Friday 19th May, so please do tune in or set your recorder to see SNAPS in action!

Voting is open and if you haven’t already please vote here: https://www.thepeoplesprojects.org.uk/projects/view/snaps

Lucy Owen, Chief Executive at SNAPS, said:

“The People’s Projects has given us an amazing opportunity to raise awareness and support for our work and, with your help, secure this additional much-needed funding. If we win, our project will make a real difference to our local community. These funds could help to fund a whole year of SNAPS’ services at one of our sites and allow us to support even more children and families who need us. We now need local people to get behind us, to show their support and vote for SNAPS to receive these vital funds.”

David Knott, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Community Fund, said:

“The People’s Projects delivers much-needed funding to the heart of communities and showcases the incredible efforts of hard-working projects across the UK. The short-listed groups are truly inspirational, each delivering life-changing support to their community in different ways. It is now time for the public to have their say in how vital National Lottery funding is used in their area to make a difference to people’s lives, particularly in these challenging times.”

Since it started in 2005, The People’s Projects has awarded around £45 million to over 1,000 good causes. 

Voting closes at noon on Friday 26 May 2023.

People can vote only once per region and will need an email address or mobile number to vote*.

To support SNAPS and for Terms and Conditions please visit www.thepeoplesprojects.org.uk

We need your votes!

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