SPUC has hosted the UK event of the annual “Night to Shine” prom for the fourth successive year for people with special needs.

Night to Shine is a prom night experience for people with special needs aged 14 years and older. It is sponsored by The Tim Tebow Foundation, which funds hundreds of concurrent prom nights around the world.

This year, SPUC hosted the only UK event at the Holy Cross High School in Hamilton, Scotland, where guests of honour gathered with family, carers and teachers to celebrate their lives and see the King and Queen of the prom crowned by their peers.

Footballer Stephen McManus, former captain of Celtic and the Scottish national team, also attended the prom night.

The party was a fun combination of dancing, bingo, gift-giving, karaoke, and laughs, allowing all participants to come together and appreciate each other whatever their background.

“A fantastic night”

Emmet Dooley, SPUC’s Education and Outreach Manager, said: “It was a fantastic night. The joy of our guests of honour was overflowing onto the staff, pupils, carers and workers in attendance. From the bus driver to the DJ and photographers, all commented on what an amazing event and experience it was.

“I must say a huge thank you to the staff at the Tim Tebow Foundation and my own colleagues at SPUC, as well as the amazing staff and pupils of Holy Cross who have given so generously of their time and shown just how big this school’s heart is. Every one of our 70 guests of honour is truly a king and queen.

“This is the only Night to Shine event in the UK. If you wish to host your own event or get involved in expanding this great work, please contact us to let us know!”