TV star Tamzin Outhwaite has given Surrey based charity, Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (QEF), a major boost after agreeing to become the patron of its major appeal.
The Edward Guinness Appeal has a goal of raising £2.7m, which will go towards the development of the QEF’s new Care and Rehabilitation Centre (CRC).
The centre will provide life-changing neuro rehabilitation for hundreds of people a year after a stroke or acquired brain injury.
VITAL
“I’ve been aware of the financial strains that have been put on smaller charities like QEF since the pandemic hit and wanted to give my support so they can continue to make a real difference to the lives of people going through what can be a very difficult journey,” enthuses Tamzin.
“One of my close friends works at the charity on the frontline supporting people with learning disabilities, so I often hear from him how hard everyone is working to ensure that they can continue with this vital support, which is needed now more than ever. I am proud to be patron of this appeal.”
Tamzin’s support is hoped to majorly support and boost the appeal, which is being led by long standing supporter and former QEF Trustee, Edward Guinness.
RAISED
Initially launched in 2019, the appeal has already raised just over £700,000 with an end goal of over £2m. Utilised to bring the development of the new CRC to fruition, the CRC is a purpose-built centre of neuro rehabilitation expertise, specifically designed to reflect the needs of clients.
Alongside modern, comfortable facilities, the building supports a holistic approach to therapy and care, that enables the multi-disciplinary team to focus on physical and mental rehabilitation, as well as supporting the families for whom the event has also been life changing. This holistic, person-centred approach is a signature element of QEF’s service.
REHABILITATION
Michael, a former client at the CRC, contracted COVID-19 in March 2020, says: “I didn’t have all of the chest problems that you were hearing a lot about at the time. I just went very foggy – foggy in my mind. I went to hospital and was put into an induced coma. I’ve lost so much memory – my short-term memory. I also had a seizure whilst I was in hospital and then I came to QEF at the beginning of May.
“I had occupational therapy to help me do everyday things like cross the road and money was something that I had to relearn about as part of my therapy. With psychology I was looking at how my brain was ticking and how well it was working. I had definitely improved – even though I wasn’t aware of it. They showed me some of the tests I’d done earlier and I can see how much I had improved. I had lots of support whilst I was with QEF.”
QEF’s new Care and Rehabilitation Centre means that the charity can expand its services and provide five distinct client pathways, with a varying mix of nursing care and neuro rehabilitation therapies depending on individual need.
They are also supporting post COVID-19 patients who have suffered a neurological event such as a stroke or seizure during their treatment.
To find out more about the Care and Rehabilitation Centre and to support the Edward Guinness Appeal please visit their website here.