The Thomas Theyer Foundation

General information

Thomas Samuel Theyer was 18 on June 7th 2013, he died just over a month later on Friday 19th July 2013. Thomas was a happy, kind person who loved to make people laugh. He was a keen runner and loved to keep fit and exercise regularly.

The Thomas Theyer foundation has been set up by Alan, Chris and Aimee Theyer, Thomas’s dad, mum and sister.

The benefits Thomas gained from his love of physical activity were many, and the overriding aim of the Thomas Theyer Foundation is to increase the access to exercise, in particular outdoor activities, for children and young people with additional needs and also provide the opportunity for breaks for those children, their families/carers. The foundation also recognises there are other children and young people who would benefit from this opportunity, for example those experiencing difficult life circumstances, such as young carers, or those who have suffered the loss a parent or sibling.

The Foundation is currently raising funds to build two lodges in the Peak District of Derbyshire. These Lodges would provide the opportunity for children and young people, with different needs, to enjoy an outdoor activity break with access to a range of managed outdoor activities. The Lodges would be available not just for school groups but also for families, so that they can enjoy respite breaks. Each Lodge will accommodate up to 7 people and can be occupied by two groups or one large group

The benefits of physical activity are many including:

Improved muscle strength, coordination, and flexibility.

Improved exercise endurance, cardiovascular efficiency.

Better balance, motor skills and body awareness.

Increased self-confidence and building friendships.

Increased self-esteem.

Experience of accomplishment.

Improved attention span and behavior.

Improved quality of sleep.

Improved general health and decreased health risks such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

Release of physical energy, helping all to cope better with stress, anxiety and depression.

The foundation needs to raise 500K to build the lodges and complete current projects, which also include setting up a support group for children/young people and their carers and a bereavement support group for parents who have experienced the loss of a child.