OVER 300 people gathered at the Glasgow Science Centre on Saturday night [24th October 09] and raised £70,000 to help establish Scotland’s first day centre for teenagers with cerebral palsy.
Sponsored by the Malcolm Group, the fundraising ball was organised by Mrs Yvonne Malcolm to raise money for the Full Circle Foundation. The charity aims to build a dedicated facility in the Central Scotland which provides further education and recreation opportunities for 19-25 year-olds who suffer from cerebral palsy and rare genetic disorders.
The Full Circle Foundation was founded by Glasgow parents, Jane and Chris Wagner, whose daughter, Zoe developed cerebral palsy following a severe case of meningitis when she was just four months old. Zoe is now 18 years old and is attending her final term at Capability Scotland’s Corseford School in Kilbarchan, but, like other pupils in her year, says Mrs Wagner, the options for continuing her education are limited.
“There are several dedicated centres in England, but nowhere in Scotland which caters adequately for the school leavers with cerebral palsy, many of whom are wheelchair bound and have complex needs.”
Continuing, she said: “What invariably ends up happening is these young teenagers become the full-time responsibility of their parents or carers, who have to give up work or ask a retired or non working family member to help out.
“This is a situation we desperately need to change and thanks to the kindness and generosity of the many people who are supporting our appeal we have the opportunity to establish a Scottish day centre which will provide a stimulating environment which combines education, physiotherapy, personal development as well as fun days out and other leisure activities.”
She added: “Achieving this aim will take a few years, but thanks to the tremendous amount of money that was raised on Saturday night, we are several steps closer.”
Speaking on behalf of the Full Circle Foundation Fundraising Ball Committee, Mrs Yvonne Malcolm said: “Our heartfelt gratitude and thanks goes to our sponsors and all those involved in contributing so generously to this very special cause which aims to improve prospects for teenagers with cerebral palsy in Scotland.”
For more information or to make a donation to the Full Circle Foundation contact 0141 429 2525 or visit www.circlefoundation.co.uk
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