In my excitement preparing to go on holiday a few weeks ago I forgot to mention that our speaker on 15th July was my friend Claire Hedger. Claire has Frederique’s Ataxia which is a disease that progressively attacks the muscles and nerves and ultimately leads to an early death. Claire is her early thirties and is now in a wheelchair and fully dependent on assistance for her mobility. However, over the past few months she has been learning to swim and can now swim on her back just using arms. Her goal this year is to move into the large pool and swim 1 length unaided. This will be a massive task but she has the will power to do it. She told the club about her condition and the problems related to it and how she copes. The club were clearly impressed by her attitude and self motivation. There were offers to sponsor her for the one length swim and this has made her even more determined. We donated some of our funds to the Friday Club where Claire meets and works with other disabled people in the Maidstone area.
Last night I went to the Service Committee meeting at Lloyd’s house. Amongst a busy agenda we had a detailed look at the coming programme which is looking good.
Finally, today is the 2nd anniversary of my friend Roger’s death. Whilst he was not a Rotarian ( he was self confessed and well-respected local Freemason) he was an inspiration to me and many others in so many ways but especially to me in his work in the community. He is sadly missed but will never be forgotten. He was one of the best Rotarians we never had.