Bournemouth Rotary Club

Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, supports more than 1,600 children and adults with profound physical and learning disabilities, as well as their families. With services ranging from a specialist school, adults day centre, supported living and an advice team to provide guidance for benefit applications and legal services.

Bournemouth Rotary has supported the charity’s specialist school, Langside, for many years with its fundraising activities, donating more than £11,000 since 2012.

Most recently, the organisation donated £1,000 towards the purchase of a Wizzybug wheelchair. A Wizzybug is a powered wheelchair designed specifically for children under five living with cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, spina bifida or muscular dystrophy, as well as children with amputations or a rare developmental delay affecting their ability to walk.

The Wizzybug helps the children to build their confidence in using powered mobility devices, but also helps to provide them with the independence to move themselves around.

In November, the Rotary Club visited Langside School for a comprehensive tour of its services and to find out more about what its day to day life looks like.

Keith Adams, head of the community committee, commented: “Club members have over the years visited many schools, businesses, charities, etc. to see what they do and learn about their work, but without exception all who came said that this visit was one of the most informative tours.”

Over the years the club has also provided financial support towards equipment, projects, and days out to the likes of Paultons Park and Adventure Wonderland.

Emma Bovey, head of fundraising at Diverse Abilities, commented: “We are so grateful to everyone at Bournemouth Rotary for their support over the years, it means a huge amount to everyone at the charity, not just within Langside. Rotary Clubs are such valuable organisations within local communities, and I want to express our heartfelt thanks to all that make such a difference across the country.”

Want to support us?

Click here to find out the different ways to donate.

Or contact us at fundraising@diverseabilities.org.uk or on 01202 718266.