WARRINGTON Visually Impaired members were cock-a-hoop that Chris McCausland, partnered by Dianne Buswell, won Strictly Come Dancing against tough and classy opposition earlier this month.
The nearest WVIP members get to dancing so far is their Wednesday chair exercise classes led by Abigail one of the charities young members of staff. She said “I wasn’t sure if I could perform the role well, but my confidence grew following training and coaching in how to deliver exercise classes from Warrington Wolves Foundation.
“Chris is an inspiration to us all and we have been following his progress and words each week. My belief in my ability to deliver the classes has risen but I may have to change my music selection because of the tracks he has chosen.”
Fiona the WVIP CEO said: “Abigail suffered a set back the other week when a cyclist ran into her. She was badly shaken but has recovered very quickly as she didn’t want to let her class down.
“Abigail is a lovely young lady and a great asset who joined us a couple of years ago from Warrington & Vale Royal College. She was shy and lacked a bit of confidence when she started assisting in the kitchen and she has steadily grown in confidence.
“Early next year she is going to attempt to run her first 5 km Parkrun in Victoria Park. Like Chris who had no experience of dancing this will be the first time that she takes on a running challenge.”
When Charlotte Nichols MP heard about the incident, she wrote to Abigail saying: “I am shocked to hear about the cycling incident. More care and attention has to be taken. I am pleased Abi is recovered, but this must have been a frightening experience for her.
“I hope you all enjoy the Parkrun. The entire team of volunteers who support this are amazing, and I am sure Abi, and the other runners will have a great run. Let’s hope for no more rain!”
Chair, Geoff Settle, former Mayor of Warrington and veteran marshal of Parkrun said: “A month or so ago I got chatting to Scottie and his family. They were getting their children settled after the run in the car parked next to mine.
“Scottie pushes his baby son in a buggy around the course whilst mum holds the hand of her daughter nearly every week in the parkrun. I mentioned the WVIP charity, and they both smiled. Scotties had just qualified as a Guide Runner and did, I know of anyone that he could lead around the course?”
Geoff said he immediately thought of Abi. After saying that she’s never run, especially since her sight had deteriorated, she said yes. Scotties said that his company allowed him one day off a year for voluntary work and that he would clear it with his boss so that he could meet Abi and find out more about the WVIP.
Once the WVIP volunteers heard about Abgail’s challenge several of them said that they would also take part. One of the volunteer drivers and board member Fred Parkinson saying he might run blind folded with his wife taking the lead.
The WVIP are always looking for new activities for members so who knows it could be an opportunity to having some dance classes with Abigail saying to members keep dancing.
1 Comment
Thanks for this this Warrington Visually Impaired People have a great set of volunteers and staff who work tirelessly throughout the year to provide fantastic services for the members. We run a home service funded by the council who scrutinise us on a regular basis. Apart from this we are self funding and have to work hard as do all charities to raise funds through the year.