The Percy Hedley Foundation is 71 Years Old!
The Percy Hedley Foundation celebrated their 71st Birthday on the 16th February, see how it all started and some memorable events that have happened since.
We’re 71!
For 71 years we have been empowering children and adults with disabilities. When the Foundation began back in 1953, there were just 12 pupils, now we have two schools, a college, adult day services as well as residential services. All told we support over 600 people across the North East.
Taking it back to the start…
The Percy Hedley Foundation wouldn’t have been formed without the power and determination of parents, in particular Molly and Stephen Darke.
Their son, Stephen Lawrence Darke, was born 8th January 1942 with Cerebral Palsy. They campaigned with other parents for a school suitable for their children. The legend goes that they used to visit local pubs collecting money as part of their fundraising efforts and wash it in the bath before putting it in the bank.
Because of their passion and commitment, the Percy Hedley Foundation was founded in 1953 as a special school for children with Cerebral Palsy. When the first school opened there were only 12 students, one of whom was Stephen Lawrence Darke.
Stephen Lawrence Darke remained a resident of the Foundation for the rest of his life, residing in Chipchase House, until his death in 2022, aged 80.
We thank the Darke family for their unwavering support throughout the years.
(Left is Molly and Stephen Darke and to the right is their son, also named Stephen Darke)
Memorable Moments From the Past 71 Years
2018 – Lost Voice Guys, a former Percy Hedley School student, wins BGT
Lee Ridley, also known as Lost Voice Guy, rose to fame after becoming the first comedian to win Britain’s Got Talent in 2018. Lee has cerebral palsy and attended Percy Hedley School. He uses a communication aid to deliver witty and hilarious jokes as part of his comedy act, often highlighting disability in his set.
2022 - Hedley’s College students become the first disabled young people in Northumbria Police Cadets
Eight of our students at Hedley’s College were sworn in as the first ever to join Volunteer Police Cadets Scheme for those with special needs. Now, this partnership is the winner of multiple awards including the Lord Ferrers Award and the Natspec awards for Innovator of the Year and the best Curriculum Innovation.
2024 - Alan Shearer Visits Northern Counties School
Football legend Alan Shearer visited Northern Counties School as hosted a Q&A session as part of the school’s curriculum of My Home Place. Afterwards he posed for photographs with staff and students, including from Northern Counties School Football team, and signed memorabilia.
How We Celebrated Our Birthday
Our 71st Birthday coincided with our second #PaintTheToon event this year, where both schools and businesses dressed in purple in an attempt to paint the town purple.
Get Involved With the celebrations this year
There’s a host of events happening throughout the year that you can get involved in: