Turning birthday presents into donations for HemiHelp

HemiHelp members, Mr and Mrs Short tell us how they raised £478 for HemiHelp at their joint 65th birthday parties

We raised £478 by requesting that donations be made to HemiHelp instead of giving birthday presents at two parties to celebrate our joint 65th birthdays. Yes we are ancient, and consequently feel that the money is going to do far more good by going to your charity than to us.

The first party was a Scottish country dance, held in the village hall at Greenodd.  Everyone at the 'do' seemed to have a good time but then Scottish dancers are good at that!

The cake, made by the local baker was something else and the biggest birthday cake we have ever seen, Malcolm called it the foundation stone and it truly was about that size.

The other party was at home and the weather was very kind to us. This one was for family and neighbours, and again everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Our granddaughter, the one with hemiplegia was guest of honour. We played French boules on the drive at the front and crazy golf on the front lawn, quite a challenge as we are on a slope!

We would like to thank everyone at HemiHelp for all of the help and advice given to our son and daughter-in-law, which has helped them to deal with what is a little known if common condition. Our granddaughter is growing up to be a lovely girl, tall and slim and very fit, thanks to all the swimming she does and which she is extremely good at. We are very proud of her.