Comedian becomes patron of adventure playground

Alex Horne said he knew he had to be involved after a few minutes into his first visit

Comedian and author Alex Horne has become a patron of a much-loved adventure playground used by people with special needs and their families.

The Thames Valley Adventure Playground (TVAP), near Maidenhead, Berkshire, opened in 1982 and high profile supporters have included Sir Terry Wogan, who was also a patron, and Tim Brooke Taylor, a former president.

Horne was approached by Lola, the daughter of the charity's community outreach coordinator, Lucie Grange, who sent a letter that she had written on a typewriter.

He said he knew within a few minutes into his first visit to the playground that he wanted to get involved.

"It's not often I receive a letter direct from an actual typewriter so that was a good start," Horne said.

"Then when I was shown around the playground by Lucie, I knew within a few minutes that I would have to get involved in some way."

TVAP was first set up in 1982 and has gradually expanded

"The commitment the whole team so clearly has to provide adventure and play for people who need those things the most was both powerful and persuasive.

"So I'm as excited as anyone to have now joined that team and will hopefully be able to join in and make more fun happen before too long. Thanks again to Lola for the letter."

TVAP's chairman Jim Wilks added: "Alex's ethos aligns with our vision, and we look forward to working with him to raise both our profile and our funds, ensuring that we continue to provide an inspiring, inclusive environment for all our visitors and their families."

In January, TVAP said its visitors come from as far as Swindon and west London to use its specialist facilities.

Mr Wilks said running it had been "tough" because of rising costs and that it had been forced to increase its prices for the first time since the Covid pandemic.