£23,550 for QEF an “outstanding example”

Being chosen by St John’s School, Leatherhead, as its charity of the year has been very special for QEF.  Students and staff have participated enthusiastically in a range of activities and the result speaks for itself.  Thanks to everyone who gave so generously.

Jonathan Powell, QEF Chief Executive (3rd from left) , was presented with a cheque for £23,550 after a wonderful year of fundraising by St John’s School.

After receiving the cheque Mr Powell and QEF Events Organiser, Annalisa Slater (3rd from right), thanked everyone for their wonderful efforts in supporting QEF.

Mr Powell said: “I was delighted to receive on behalf of Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation such a generous cheque.  This was the result of wonderful fundraising efforts by the pupils and staff at St John’s School over the past year; it has been an outstanding example of a school supporting a local charity, and of young people digging deep to help others.

This money will be used to improve the facilities we provide at our Independent Living Services at Dorincourt, just outside Leatherhead.  Our young disabled clients there can live in en-suite rooms, group homes or independent flats as they learn to live as independently as possible. At present we are upgrading our care office and the emergency call system for our residents.”

Sarah Bryant, St John’s Chaplain (2nd from left) said: “Every year St John’s fundraises for a chosen school charity which is just one of the ways in which it lives out its Christian foundation.  As ever, the whole school community got involved in fundraising through House and other events and through the excellent work of the QEF fundraising team.  The whole community should be very proud of their efforts and the fact that their money is going to make a real and lasting difference to QEF clients.”

Visit St John’s website: St John’s School

Birthday Celebration for Adhe

Around 160 riders took part in this year’s Leatherhead Bikeathon in aid of Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People and, apart from one short sharp shower, enjoyed a fine day for the ride.  For one rider, 18-year-old Adhe Noviello, it was a particularly special day. 

QEF opens its doors

For the first time ever QEF threw its doors open to local organisations and authorities in an Open Meeting.   QEF Chairman, Rob Douglas, introduced the proceedings describing the challenges that QEF is facing.  Lavinia Sealy, Chairman of Surrey County Council, followed, outlining her and the Council’s expectations of QEF and CEO Jonathan Powell explained how QEF was perhaps in the best position to find new opportunities to support disabled people in the face of a fast changing landscape.

Chris Grayling MP Listens to QEF Trainees

Chris Grayling, MP for Epsom and Ewell and Minister for Welfare Reform at the Department for Work and Pensions, took time out of his busy schedule to visit QEF Vocational Services in Leatherhead to listen to the views of trainees.

Amber Awarded by the Girdlers’ Company

Girdlers’ Medallion Award Winner 2011

Thank you to the Girdlers’ Company
Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF) would like to thank The Girdlers’ Company for their most generous support over the years.  The Girdlers’ Company first supported QEF back in 1975 with a fantastic donation of £100 and have regularly supported QEF ever since.

Last year’s kind donation went towards QEF Vocational Services and partly towards our Big Build Campaign to build a new 50-bed residential facility with en-suite and fully wheelchair-accessible bedrooms. Thanks to The Girdlers’ Company more people with disabilities have had the opportunity to develop greater independence and to achieve their own life goals.

This year’s worthy award winner of the Girdlers’ Medallion is Amber Garland.  And this is her story…

Growing Stronger at Headley Court

The seeds of recovery are being planted at Headley Court after the launch of a new gardening project to provide occupational therapy for personnel recovering at the Ministry of Defence Rehabilitation Centre.

Medical evidence shows horticulture provides physical, neurological, cognitive and psychological rehabilitation, testing patients’ motor skills, plus their strength and endurance.

The newly-refurbished greenhouse and allotment area will challenge patients with complex poly-traumatic injuries.  They will have to overcome the challenges of working at different heights, standing on varying slopes and surfaces, as well as lifting and moving objects.

The gardening tasks will also provide cognitive therapy for troops, with medical evidence suggesting that being in an outdoor environment reduces stress, leading to improved concentration and it helps individuals think through their problems or concerns.

QEF Bond Girls on TV

Enjoyment of the BBC’s coverage on the Virgin London Marathon was doubled when Sarah and Becks, two of our Golden Bond runners were interviewed towards the end of the coverage.  Resplendent in pink bunny ears and QEF running vests the girls were difficult to miss.

…and congratulations and thanks to our other runners, Gary, Terry, Abby, Laura and Ian whose stories are featured click here.

QEF Wins Award

QEF was named as Charitable Business of the Year in the Leatherhead Chamber of Commerce 2011 Awards.   

 

CEO Jonathan Powell says, “We are delighted to have received this award as it reflects not only on the fantasic work that QEF staff undertake on a daily basis but also the relationships that we have built up and continue to build on with local companies, organisations and the community.  Our thanks go to the Leatherhead Chamber of Commerce and St John’s School, the sponsor of this award, for this much appreciated recognition.”  

Read all about it in the local press This is Surrey Today