Well done Sarah!
On Friday 9th February The President of The Rotary Club of TARPORLEY, David Carter, awarded Rotary's highest award – The Paul Harris Fellowship to Sarah Kelly – wife of TV star Matthew Kelly – for service to the community through her work with the Neuromuscular Centre in Winsford Cheshire.
The Centre which provides support, physiotherapy, training and employment to people with Muscular Dystrophy and similar disabling illnesses, was started by Sarah and colleague Kate Fox just over 10 years ago. At the time they were working as teachers at Hebden Green special school, and realised that the young people they were helping during the day were without any support once they left school.
Initially they operated just an unofficial support group, from people's homes and the local pub.
Today the centre employs over 20 people, providing regular support to 150 people with the illness from around Cheshire and the North West region. It is providing training for others and operates a sheltered graphic design and production company. Despite the need it is still unique.
The Rotary Club decided to honour Sarah after seeing her dedication to the work over several years. Last year she and Matthew Kelly were the star attraction at the Tarporley Carnival attracting over 2000 people and raising record sums for the Carnival and for the Centre. Each year they both organise a number of events including an annual concert at Chester Cathedral, which many stars attend and perform at, free of charge.
Sarah joins the ranks of others such as: The Rt Hon Margaret Baroness Thatcher (Grantham); HRH Princess Diana and HRH Princess Alice, HRH Prince Charles, HRH The Princess Royal; HRH the Duchess of Kent; Rt Hon Tony Blair MP, Luciano Pavarotti; Sir Anthony Hopkins; Sir Edward Heath MP; Baroness Thatcher; Baroness Chalker; and Lord Rix who have received this award.
Attached picture shows David Carter (left), Sarah Kelly (centre) & Rotary Cheshire & South Manchester District Governor Malcolm Brothers.
Visit the Neuromuscular Centre's web site.
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