Royal backing for Disability Awareness Day

HRH the Countess of Wessex brought a ray of sunshine to Warrington’s pioneering Disability Awareness Day to help mark the 20th anniversary celebrations of the largest voluntary led disabled event in Europe.
Glorious sunshine greeted the the Countess as she arrived at Walton Gardens bringing a smile to the faces of the many voluntary groups and supporters who make up a “Dads army” to stage the annual event.
She spent more than an hour chatting with a dedicated army of Queens Award for Volunteers winners and their supporters, who have worked tirelessly in the run up to the event taking place at Walton gardens this Sunday (July 10).
Event founder and co-ordinator Dave Thompson MBE DL said: “We were honoured to received Her Royal Highness who brought a smile to the faces of our many dedicated volunteers and supporters.
“Disability Awareness Day, and associated events, has been promoting a positive ‘can-do’ attitude towards disability for the past two decades. We are proud to share part of our landmark 20th anniversary with the Countess who graciously accepted our invitation to come and meet with the volunteers and management team – the heart and backbone of DAD.
“It was nice to see so many of the DAD team sharing their experiences with the Countess.”
The Countess’s visit launched the start of ‘Ignite Your Life’ an event which involved an afternoon of workshops, exhibition and activities including a Poets Corner, music, drama, art, crafts and complementary therapies. The event focused on mental health and well-being.
The Countess also met with staff, service users and carers from local specialist mental health and learning disability services provider 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, who are sponsoring the event.
Ex-soldier Keith Hudson from Combat Stress added: “It was good to get the word out baout about our network and be open about the problems faced by returning forces.”
Kath Winders from the 5 Boroughs Partnership said:”I was able to tell the Countess about oure Stamp Out Stigma Campaign which now has more than 108,000 signatures.”
Duncan Barber from the 5 Boroughs Partnership added: “It was a great opportunity to exhibit the work of people with mental health problems and showcase their abilities.”

HRH the Countess of Wessex with Dave Thompson

HRH meets members of the WDP team.

HRH stops to meet Royal followers who travelled from far and wide to meet her.

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