As Labour's Shadow Minister for Children, Sharon visited Challengers, a registered children's charity since 1979 which provides play and leisure opportunities to disabled children and young people in Guildford, to see first hand the services on offer and speak with parent ambassadors about what more can be done by Parliamentarians to support families of children with disabilities.

Challengers provides families of children and young people up to the age of 25 with short breaks during high pressure times, such as at the weekend and during the school holidays, which allows them to do 'ordinary' activities and bond as a family and gives them the freedom to choose how they fulfil these activities, as a way of improving their future life chances.

Following the visit, Sharon said:

"It was wonderful to visit Challengers in Guildford and see first hand some of the work they are doing to support families of children with disabilities and also meet with some of their parent ambassadors to hear more about their experiences.

"Children and young people, regardless of their background or circumstances, should have the chance of a childhood which sees them living an active life just like their peers, whilst also accessing enriching environments that allows them to expand their horizons and reach their full potential.

"In the coming weeks and months ahead, services for children and young people with additional needs will be something I be looking at in more detail and will raise these issues in Parliament at the earliest opportunity."