A West Lothian youth club that helps integrate young people with and without disabilities has hailed locals who came to their rescue and made sure they could enjoy a holiday together.
Members of Bathgate Fabb Club had been looking forward to a trip to Turin in Italy, but disaster struck when a traffic jam meant they missed their flight.
With no alternative flight available and the added problem that many of the youngster’s parents had used the opportunity to book a break away too, volunteers went over and above to help.
John Lockhart, chairman of the club, explained: “Our club was supposed to engage in a youth exchange with our partners in Turin, Italy at the end of July.
“All was going well until we encountered a massive traffic jam on the M6 near Preston, resulting in us missing our flight from Manchester.
“We had to book a hotel in Manchester for our 20 people and try to get a flight out to Italy next day, alas no flights were available so we headed home to Bathgate. As some of the parents had booked their own short breaks
our volunteers decided to keep the group together until five days later, when we managed to secure flights from Edinburgh.
“Luckily Harry Ferguson coach hire did us proud in our driver Kevin for not abandoning us in Manchester.
“Frantically we searched
for hotels and the Cairn Hotel came to our rescue.
“We had to think quickly to keep our young people occupied.
“Through the help of Bathgate Fire Service, Robert and his staff and Gerry Gallacher from Fauldhouse, who donated a 12-seater mini bus, and yet again Harry Ferguson coach hire, we got to Edinburgh Airport safe and sound, thus we were able to provide a short programme until we left. We cannot thank the above people enough.”
Bathgate Fabb Club is a youth organisation that aims to integrate young people with and without disabilities in West Lothian.
It aims to challenge both personal and social barriers through the provision of an informal activity programme and through the weekly activity programme, young people are given the opportunity to experience a variety of exciting and challenging activities which help build confidence, promote independence and develop an understanding of the needs and aspirations of others.
For more information visit https://bathgatefabbclub.webs.com/
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