FOR over 35 years Oswestry & District Stroke Club, a self help and social club for people who have suffered a stroke and for their carers, have been there for people in the Oswestry area to provide information about stroke and local services plus support through a range of social activities. The Club helps members regain their confidence after a stroke, offering a warm welcome and a friendly face and the chance to talk to someone who understands because they have also been there.
Receiving their cheque, Stroke Club President Mike Garratt said “The Rotary Club does wonderful work and gives support to many different charities. It is very much appreciated and helps us no end. A BIG BIG thank you from members of the Stroke Club!”
Oswestry & District Stroke Club meet on the 2nd Thursday of every month at Oswestry Senior Citizens Club on Lorne Street, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 1ND from 2.00-4.00pm. If you want to find out more about the Stroke Club please visit their Facebook page or contact Mike Garratt garratt36@talktalk.net or 01691 238768.
The Marches Riding for the Disabled Association group is part of the national Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), one of 8 groups in Shropshire. Meeting at Penycoed Stables, Pant on a Thursday morning during termtime from 10.30am, the group currently provides riding lessons for 5 riders with disabilities, giving them the chance to take part in events such as the annual Shropshire fun day and RDA competitions as they improve. “It is recognised that there are significant therapeutic physical benefits for disabled riders and they also make friends in the group” commented volunteer Clare Bellison.
“Although the riders make a contribution to the cost of each session, we have to cover horse hire, insurance and equipment costs so, although we fundraise, donations like this from the Tree of Light are very important” said Natalie Sheehy the Marches Group Chairperson. “We are also reliant on volunteers such as side walkers or leaders who do not ride but concentrate solely on the rider or horse. We could always do with more people who have horse experience as we are sometimes short of leaders.”
For any enquiries about riding or volunteering please contact Natalie Sheehy on 07487 711340.
The Severn Hospice in Shrewsbury provides specialist care and support free of charge to families across Shropshire and Mid Wales who are living with an incurable illness; 2,800 local people are helped each year.
“As an independent charity we must raise two thirds of our running costs, around £7 million each year, which is only possible thanks to the generous support we receive from the communities we serve,” said Lucy Ruff Fundraising Manager at Severn Hospice. “Donations like this are valuable to us. Many thanks to the supporters of the Tree of Light Appeal.”
The final presentation in Shrewsbury was to the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund, a charity committed to supporting high quality cancer services for the people of Shropshire, Telford and Mid Wales. “Since 1979 the charity has contributed the equivalent of £18 million in today’s prices to improve cancer services in the local area” said Fundraising Manager Louise Dawson. “Around 75,000 people have had their cancer treatment and care improved through the impact of the Fund.
“Following the huge success of our ACTION Appeal, which reached its £750,000 target for a Linear Accelerator 4 months early, we are now raising money for a specialist couch to accompany the new LINAC machine when it becomes operational this summer. The couch will cost £166,000 and we are on target to reach this by the end of this month,” added Louise. “We are very grateful for donations to the Fund which keeps improving our services for those in this area. Thank you!”
