2020-12-07 14:56:47
New equipment and tools have been purchased using money raised in memory of a man with learning disabilities who sadly passed away earlier this year.
A fundraising drive in memory of his uncle Nigel was organised by Seb Marriott, who joined forces with other family members and friends to raise £2,000 for two beneficiaries, including national learning disability charity, Hft.
Nigel, who passed away in April after contracting Covid-19, spent nearly six years at a supported living service run by Hft, in St Austell. He was passionate about his local community, where he regularly spent time socialising and taking part in activities. With his birthday only a few weeks away, Nigel’s family decided to raise money in his memory for two causes that were a big part of his life – COAST, a community-based course run by Hft, and Creative Workshop, an independently-run day opportunities service for people with learning disabilities based in Par.
After sharing information about their fundraising appeal on social media, the family was delighted to receive a big response from the community, who donated as a ‘birthday present’ in Nigel’s memory. In total, £2,000 was raised, which was split equally between the two causes.
Funds donated to COAST are set to be used to buy new IT equipment for the service, as well as some new exercise equipment and gardening tools. The community course, which currently supports nine people with learning disabilities, aims to build life skills, confidence and self-esteem, and support people to get the most out of their local area. Over a 12 month period, the scheme covers a range of topics including money and budgeting, healthy living, using public transport and relationships. Nigel had completed the course this year, and thanks to funds raised in his memory, the service has now been able to purchase equipment such as new tablets, which enable people to take part in research more independently. The group is also looking forward to better weather, when they can plant a tree in Nigel’s memory, use their new exercise equipment, and get their vegetable garden up and running.
Sue Chapman, Hft’s Operations Manager in Cornwall, said:
“Nigel was a huge part of all of our lives here at Hft Cornwall. He made us all happy and will be missed for so many reasons. Nigel was a much-loved member of COAST and his loss is still felt by members of the group, who have worked together to support each other through this very sad time and have worked on projects in his memory to help them through the grieving process.
“Thanks to this incredible donation from Nigel’s family, we’ll be keeping his memory alive at COAST through the many new activities these funds will enable us to facilitate. Donations like this make a huge difference to the lives of people we support, and allow us to continue supporting people with learning disabilities in the area to live the best life possible. We’re so grateful.”
Seb Marriott said:
“We were delighted with the brilliant response to our fundraiser, which has meant we’ve been able to contribute to two causes that were very close to Nigel’s heart. Nigel would have loved getting his hands on the new tablets and learning some more IT skills, although he probably have spent the whole time accessing the Nottingham Forest website for team news! During a difficult year, we’re pleased and proud to have ensured a legacy for Nigel which is set to benefit local people for many years to come.”
A spokesperson for staff at Creative Workshop, said:
“Creative Workshop is a day care facility caring for about 20 people a day with a variety of disabilities. We offer a wide range of activities including arts and crafts, cookery, woodwork, sewing, IT, gardening and a music and exercise session once a week. Our aim is to build confidence, and to make people as independent as possible to lead a more fulfilled life. Thanks to the very generous donation in memory of Nigel we were able to erect a lean-to in our yard to increase our outside activities, which has been very much needed in these difficult times. Nigel is very much missed by us all here at the workshop and we would like to take this opportunity to thank Nigel’s family for their generosity.”
To find out more about Fundraising at Hft, visit www.hft.org.uk/fundraising
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 Cornwall
