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Urgent Charity Appeal for Ysgol Heol Goffa

An urgent charity appeal has been launched to help fund a life-changing skiing trip for nine pupils from Llanelli’s much-loved special school, Ysgol Heol Goffa. The group hopes to travel to Italy in March 2026.

Ysgol Heol Goffa introduced its remarkable skiing programme more than 30 years ago. Since then, pupils have enjoyed huge confidence boosts, unforgettable experiences, and notable successes at the Special Olympics as well as at British and World Winter Games.

The school supports children and young people aged 3–19 with a wide range of additional learning needs, including profound and multiple learning difficulties, severe learning delay, autism, physical disabilities, and complex developmental challenges.

A GoFundMe page – backed by the school and shared on Facebook – states:

“We believe every child deserves the chance to thrive – and sometimes, that means heading for the mountains!
We’re fundraising to help nine pupils, aged 14–19, take part in a life-changing ski trip to Folgaria, Italy, in March 2026.”

The trip is intended to boost confidence, develop new skills, and create lasting memories.

However, the appeal highlights the barriers pupils face when accessing school trips:

“The additional support, equipment and travel arrangements required can make it difficult for families to afford. You can help these young people experience an opportunity that will shape their futures.”

If successful, the appeal aims to ensure that:

  • All nine pupils can attend and have an unforgettable experience.

  • Pupils gain increased confidence, independence, and social skills.

  • Families, pupils, and staff provide positive feedback.

  • Young people continue engaging in skiing and inclusive sport.

  • Stronger foundations are laid for lifelong learning and opportunity.

The fundraising page adds:

“Your support will empower pupils with additional learning needs to take part in something extraordinary. You’ll be helping them build confidence, fitness, friendships, and independence – and opening doors to future achievements.”

Llanelli Town Councillor Shaun Greaney, whose Lliedi ward includes the school, urged the community to rally round:

“Opportunity knocks for the community of Llanelli once again to show its warmth and spirit by supporting Ysgol Heol Goffa pupils to have the time of their lives on an educational trip proven to benefit them massively.
Come on Llanelli – let’s not let this chance pass these pupils by.
We know they’re waiting for a new school, and I, for one, could not cope with the issues their families face. Please give what you can for a remarkably good cause.”

The appeal page can be found online here.

A school spokeswoman added:

“We would be extremely grateful for any donations.”


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