Millie Knight, who is a three-time Paralympic medallist, two-time Paralympian and Downhill World Champion joined Mark Kelvin, Chief Executive of DSUK to make the announcement.

 

“We simply cannot thank staff and guests at Crystal Ski Holidays enough”, enthused Mark. “This generous donation of over £131,000 is DSUK’s largest ever donation in our forty-year history”.

 

A significant proportion of this donation is a result of Crystal Ski Holiday makers, choosing to donate a single £1 whenever they have booked a ski or snowboarding holiday through Crystal’s website. This money has been topped-up further by guests donating additional funds through participating in various activities during their holiday.

 

These funds will enable DSUK to establish a new adaptive snowsport school at the dry ski slope at Sandown Sports in Esher, Surrey.

 

Chris Logan, Managing Director, Crystal Ski Holidays said “We’re delighted to support DSUK and to be able to help them expand their operation with the opening of the new snowsport school. A huge thank you to our customers for their generosity too. Our team is really passionate about the work DSUK does and many have spent time volunteering for the charity and seeing first-hand the support they provide.”

 

Peter Le Masurier, CEO at Sandown Sports said “I am thrilled that we are now able to offer adaptive skiing in association with DSUK at Sandown. Making sport accessible for all, lies at the heart of what we aspire to deliver.”

 

“Disabled people can gain huge benefits in participating in snowsport” continues Mark. “Beyond the immediate physical and mental health benefits, snowsport brings a level of individual exhilaration and risk that many disabled people simply cannot get elsewhere”. Millie Knight shared Mark’s view. “I first started skiing at six years old when I started to lose my sight. When I’m walking about in my daily life it’s quite restrictive and quite slow and I rely on other people to help me to do things. I’m not in control. When I ski, I can choose the speed we go, and where we go, and that’s really exciting for me”

 

DSUK will be running free taster sessions at Sandown Sports for any disabled people who might be interested in skiing or snowboarding. No previous experience is required. To book your free session visit www.disabilitysnowsport.org.uk or call 01479 861272.