SNOOKER star Shaun Murphy has today been unveiled as a patron for the R.E.A.L Foundation Trust.
Reigning Masters champion and World Championship finalist Murphy will wear the R.E.A.L Foundation Trust logo and support the Midlands-based organisation in other ways during the 2015/16 season.
Nottinghamshire-based Shaun, 33, today took time out from preparing for this week’s Champion of Champions event at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, to attend the opening of the Alternative Provision School in Mansfield.
The Real Foundation Trust and Shaun are excited at the opportunity to team up.
Caraline Ryan, Chair of Real Foundation Trust said: “It is no accident that our patron is Shaun Murphy. Shaun is one of many people who did not experience so called normal schooling. The Foundation supports students and young people who have not fitted easily into a formal school setting. This is why Shaun wishes to be part of our journey. We welcome Shaun Murphy as our patron and believe he will be an inspirational role model for the young people we support.”
Through collaborative working with partners, families and carers across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire, REAL aims to provide creative educational solutions for young people between 5 and 19.We strive to allow those who may struggle in mainstream provisions to reach their potential.
Individually planned programmes encourage engagement and learning whether through one to one support, group work or vocational training opportunities in a variety of venues, including the REAL Independent School in Blidworth and the new Alternative Provision School in Mansfield, whose opening we are celebrating today.
The focus of REAL FT is on delivering stimulating and safe experiences with an emphasis on achieving accredited outcomes appropriate to each young person’s needs and abilities. We also provide personal support to individuals, families and carers in a variety of ways.
Shaun Murphy said: “I’m very excited to be a patron of REAL Foundation Trust and be a part of their work.
“It doesn’t get any more important than working with children – of any age, and the work that the Foundation Trust do is something very close to my heart. I can relate to some of the experiences and stories shared by the kids here.”
“Any difference that my involvement can make, big or small, is worth it and I’ll do all I can to be involved as much as I possibly can”
Shaun is this week chasing a first prize of £100,000 in the Champion of Champions tournament and his first-round opponent will be China’s Yan Bingtao.
Shaun said: “I’m determined to do better there this week as I’m currently 0/2 in my record in previous years. I’m tired of watching the drama unfold from my sofa at home. This year it’d be nice to be more involved, so I’ll be giving it 100 per cent from the first shot and let’s see what happens.”