November 2006
STRAGGLERS ATHLETES BRACE 25K DISTANCE IN MEMORY OF DISABLED EX-SERVICE MAN BILL WRIGHT
The Stragglers, Kingston branch, a south west London based running group raised a wonderful £1,517 for the disabled ex-Service men and women at The Royal Star & Garter Home by completing a 25K run through Richmond. Stragglers organisers and participants, Tony Oakes and Phil Davies presented the cheque to Rebecca Spencer, Marketing & Communications Co-ordinator for the Charity on Thursday 2 November. The idea for the fundraiser came from John Barrow, long-time Straggler and supporter of The Royal Star & Garter Home. Despite being admitted into hospital himself, John continued to organise the event before handing the reigns over to Tony Oakes and Phil Davies who did a spectacular job. John is now back at home and says he is absolutely thrilled, “the response has been fantastic”.
John’s friend, Bill Wright, who was cared for by the Charity was a dedicated marathon runner, who served 19 years in the Royal Navies and Merchant Navies and woke up one morning to find that he was totally paralysed. With the help of The Royal Star & Garter Home’s intensive physiotherapy care team, Bill managed to walk again. With the help of his fellow Stragglers, he completed the 1988 Potteries Marathon. Taking place in late September, the 25K Run in which participants ran, walked and cycled was a great day. Not only did it mark 25th Anniversary of the Stragglers running club of which Bill was a member for ten years but the event raised money for the Home that helped Bill run again.
About the Royal Star & Garter Charity
The Royal Star & Garter Home, an independent registered charity based in Richmond, has been caring for disabled ex-Service personnel since 1916. The Charity offers the best in nursing and residential care plus a range of therapies. There are also a wide variety of leisure activities available for our residents to enjoy, both inside and outside the Home. In future years, The Royal Star & Garter Charity intends to build new homes, in the Richmond area and elsewhere, in which to provide specialist care for the elderly disabled, and for those with dementia for whom there is very little provision at present.
About Bill Wright
Bill was diagnosed with Guillain Barre syndrome, a rare disease which attacks the sheathing of the nerves. However, with the right treatment and exercise, sufferers can recover. Bill had a strong will and faith that he would get through it and his running buddies, the Stragglers and The Royal Star & Garter Home were there with him every step of the way.
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FURTHER INFO: Rebecca Spencer, Marketing & Communications Co-ordinator TEL: 020 8439 8118 or EMAIL: rebecca.spencer@starandgarter.org