Peterborough charity celebrates decade supporting youngsters with disabilities

Little Miracles provides a place for children to play, laugh and create friendships, while giving families and carers access to the advice and support they need.

The charity supports families whose children have additional needs, disabilities or life-limiting conditions.

Celebrating the milestone Michelle King, founder and now the organisation’s CEO, said she is amazed at how far the organisation has come.

Isolated and feeling alone in raising her disabled child, she decided in 2010 to create the support network she needed.

After Michelle set up Little Miracles, there was a time where the members could fit around one table.

She never imagined in 10 years what a journey it would take her on. The charity now runs a purpose-built centre at The Spinney, Hartwell Way, Ravensthorpe, Peterborough, with daily support, play and advice sessions.

The centre was built by the DIY SOS TV programme supported by the local community as part of the Children in Need million pound build special.

Developing close friendships and supporting other families Michelle has found her family has benefitted from Little Miracles as much as anybody else.

Having her children grow up surrounded by acceptance inspires her everyday.

Though Michelle insists she hasn’t ‘done anything special’ the charity has changed the lives of many.

She said: “The past 10 years have been filled with laughter but also tears.

“It has been an immense privilege to be able to work with the families and I am proud of the difference that we have made to their lives both the big public differences such as the DIY SOS build but it’s the smaller moments of holding a parent on the worst day of their lives that will stick with me forever.”

Looking ahead, Michelle welcomes what’s to come, be it an opportunity or a challenge she wants to “make the most of what we have and plan for every eventuality”.

Still, Little Miracles is hoping the charity’s supporters continue to help out what they can in a “difficult funding landscape”.

By 2030, Michelle would love Little Miracles to have grown into a nationwide organisation, despite already having groups in Peterborough, Ramsey, Ely, South Holland, Fenland, Cambourne, St Neots, Milton Keynes, Kettering, Boston, Bourne and Cambridge, Michelle wants to continue to reach “families who have given up or families who have been given up on”.

Continuing on their mission to ensure families have access to support, Michelle said she looks forward to the next 10 years and believes the charity will continue to create magic moments for families who need it most.