Team GB Stef’s golden surprise for Rainbows

Paralympian medallist Stef Reid jumped at the chance to surprise youngsters with a visit to Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People.

Team GB golden girl, Stef, 33, took a break from training for the European Championships to tour the Loughborough facility, which supports youngsters with life-limiting conditions.

The Leicestershire-based long jump champion and sprinter met with children and young people, chatting to staff and parents during her visit.

She said: “Amazing things are being done at Rainbows hospice every day – it’s so fantastic to see. And I want to thank everyone who gets involved by supporting this incredible charity – it’s such a joyous place.”

During the tour she viewed the extensive care facilities, which include therapy room, gym, sensory room and hydrotherapy pool. And the athlete marvelled at the extensive gardens, which include adapted play apparatus.

Rainbows Physiotherapist, Philip Yorkstone, said: “We are so grateful to Stef for taking time out from her busy training schedule to come and see us – and bring some of her medals in. Staff and youngsters were thrilled.”

The athlete has won a flurry of gold, silver and bronze medals at the Paralympics in London and Rio, at the IPC World Championships, IPC European Championships and Paralympic World Cup.

Stef is a member of Team GB and currently in training for the forthcoming IPC European Championships in Berlin next year.

The athlete is backing the Rainbows Christmas appeal which launches this week and aims to add seasonal magic to hospice youngsters and their families.

To donate online please visit www.rainbows.co.uk/appeal