DOZENS of runners are hoping to raise £5,000 to go towards buying a special sensory bus for those with learning disabilities.

41 staff and supporters of Worcester Snoezelen Project will take to the streets on Sunday for the city’s annual half marathon and 10k runs.

To mark the occasion, four of those taking part will be in a 2.5m long ‘Snoezey Bus’ made from tarpaulin and drain pipes.

The concept of using a multi-sensory environment to provide stimulating surroundings for people with learning disabilities originated in Holland, hence the name.

In 1993, a special school occupied the site on which the Worcester centre now stands, after starting out in an under-used groundsman’s shed.

There are now four sensory ‘Snoezelen’ rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, sensory garden and specialist music and creative arts departments.

Dennis Little, chair of trustees of the charity, said the sensory bus will “enable us to extend our offer of unique immersive sensory experiences, therapy, fun and an outlet for expression”.

The bus will include much of the same technology as the centre, enabling the project to reach across the West Midlands.

The centre already attracts customers from as far afield as Birmingham and Wolverhampton, with 350 people welcomed per week.

The Turnpike Close-based charity needs around £70,000 for the bus, which it hopes to raise by the end of next year.

In the past, the charity – which turns 25 this month – has raised £80,000 for an extension and £110,000 for the hydrotherapy pool through fundraisers and grants.

On Monday Mayor Jabba Riaz, and the leader of the Worcestershire County Council Simon Geraghty will be cutting the 25 Year Anniversary Cake with staff at the centre.

Jane Roberts, chief executive, who has worked with the charity for over 20 years, said: “We believe we are unique in offering in one place so much for people with disabilities and additional needs.

“So here we are, 25 years of celebrating life and diversity, sometimes in the face of adversity but always with the knowledge that Snoezelen means so much to so many.”

Visit worcestersnoezelen.org.uk for more information.