2019-01-29 12:43:49
A former Blue Peter presenter will share stories from her remarkable career at a charity luncheon raising funds to transform a garden for adults with learning disabilities.
Tickets are now on sale for the event featuring special guest speaker, Valerie Singleton, who is known for presenting television programmes including the Money Programme and Nationwide.
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Bedford Castle, the luncheon takes place at the Park Inn Hotel in Bedford on 29 March. At the event, Valerie will be sharing stories from her five decades of showbiz experience, which began when she worked as a voice-over artist and ultimately led to her being honoured with an OBE for her services to children’s television. Guests will also have the chance to enjoy a champagne reception, followed by a three course lunch, coffee and tea and an auction and raffle.
All funds raised are set to go towards a garden renovation for adults with learning disabilities supported by Hft’s service in Bedfordshire. Over 50 people currently make use of a rapidly growing day opportunities centre in Shefford, where activities include pottery, art, dance, aromatherapy, massage, and a weekly quiz. Plans are in place to extend the centre’s patio area and install a sunken trampoline, as well as a double swing with wheelchair accessibility.
Laura Weston, Major Partnerships Manager at Hft, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome one of the best-loved names in British television history to our charity luncheon. Guests should book soon to make sure they don’t miss out on an afternoon filled with great entertainment and food, all while raising funds that will allow adults with learning disabilities to live the best life possible.”
Peter Cullum, President of the Rotary Club of Bedford Castle, said:
“The Rotary Club of Bedford Castle annually runs this luncheon raising funds for local charities. In the last few years guest speakers have included Jeffrey Archer and Eve Pollard raising in excess of £20,000.”
Hft currently supports more
than 2,500 people with learning disabilities across the country. This includes
supporting people with learning disabilities to live with as much independence,
choice, dignity and control as possible. That can range from helping someone to
find a job, make friends or adapting their home so they can enjoy a greater
level of independence.
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
Location: Hft Bedfordshire
