The break was much more than we could ever have hoped for and just what we needed.
Mavis
The generous response of the ±«Óãtv Radio 4 listeners raised an incredible £13,383 in August 2017 towards Revitalise’s hardship funding initiative, the Revitalise Support Fund.
The Appeal told the story of two of our guests, Mavis & Colin. Married for over 50 years, Mavis was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis shortly after their wedding and Colin gave up work to become her full-time carer. For the last 18 years, Colin himself has been living with dementia. Life became increasingly challenging for the couple and a simple break from the daily duty of care became hugely important.
The break meant both Mavis and Colin could be looked after, whilst spending quality time together and just enjoyed being ‘husband and wife’ without the added pressure of giving and receiving care. Without the financial assistance of the Revitalise Support Fund, Mavis and Colin, and others like them, would not have the opportunity of a break.
Revitalise is a national charity providing respite holidays for disabled people and carers - holidays that feel like a real break for those who need the security of 24-hour nurse-led care. Our three centres welcome guests living with a wide range of conditions including, MS, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s, Stroke, Alzheimer’s and brain injury.
In addition to the professional team of nurses and care staff, Revitalise is blessed with an army of volunteers (it operates the largest residential volunteering programme in the UK), and these volunteers help to create the social atmosphere essential to the experience.
Revitalise is hugely grateful to Radio 4 listeners for supporting our work and helping us provide essential breaks to those who need it most. Disabled people and carers face many challenges but we are absolutely determine that a lack of funds for respite should not be one of them.
You can find out more about the charity .