PEOPLE with learning disabilities in Warwickshire will benefit from a £20,000 fundraising effort.
Friends of Heart of England Mencap was formed set up in 2014 by Karen Rousell from Stratford whose daughter Lottie has learning disabilities.
She wanted to support the charity close to her heart, and hosted events including coffee mornings, card nights, clothes exchanges, and sponsored challenges including a firewalk.
Heart of England Mencap fundraising manager said Cath Errington: “Their fundraising has enabled so much and we just can’t thank the Friends enough.
“Every penny goes straight to the people with learning disabilities that we support – funding everything from arts and crafts equipment to drama group costumes or iPads.
“It has enabled our customers to stage their own photo exhibitions and even to publish their own book, talking about their experiences.
“It funds discos, barbecues, day trips – really important social events for our customers with learning disabilities; things which really mean so much.
“Without the Friends, so much of this would just never happen.”
And this year the group is welcoming new chair Anna Kingsley who is taking over from Karen.
An experienced fundraiser herself – Anna has done everything from a sponsored zumba to a sponsored skydive to raise money for Mencap and in memory of her son Theo who passed away in 2008, aged six.
Anna said: “Karen has done an incredible job setting up the Friends, getting members on board and organising some amazing events raising a really tremendous amount.”
“I’m looking forward to stepping into her shoes knowing she will be right there with us as we look to raise the next £20,000!
The first fundraiser of 2018 is a Valentine’s afternoon tea at the Rosebird Community Hall in Stratford on February 16 between 2.30pm and 4.30pm.
Email [email protected] for more details.
With a little help from their friends – Karen Rousell, Wendy Strophair, Anna Kingsley, Yvonne Ferguson, Rachel Walker and Audrey Rose from the Friends of Heart of England Mencap. (s)
