Marilyn, the daughter of Phyllis Edwards who is the founder of Diverse Abilities, recently celebrated her 70th birthday with friends and family at her home where she is supported 24/7 by the charity’s staff.
Her sister Wendy and team of support staff organised a small gathering for Marilyn to commemorate the milestone of turning 70 and everyone in attendance enjoyed some tea and cake.
For the past 40 years, Marilyn has been supported by Diverse Abilities through a range of services. The charity and its staff have given her the opportunity to live life to her full potential and achieve extraordinary things that may not have deemed possible when she was born.
It took three and a half years after Marilyn was born to be diagnosed with cerebral palsy and Phyllis, and her husband John, were told ‘put her away she will only be a cabbage’.
But undeterred, Mr and Mrs Edwards discovered a need for support for local families with disabled children and wrote a letter to the Bournemouth Daily Echo in 1955. The letter received a number of responses and within two months a group was formed for parents’ intent on providing better opportunities for children with physical and learning disabilities.
Thanks to Phyllis’ incredible courage, unwavering belief and sheer persistence that there must be a better way to support those with disabilities, her daughter and thousands of local children, adults and families have been able to access a wide range of services that Diverse Abilities offers, providing vital support that is well and truly deserved.
Phyllis Edwards, mother to Marilyn and founder of Diverse Abilities, said: “Marilyn has been supported by Diverse Abilities for 40 years and the care provided has been second to none. Her team have always been amazing! Marilyn only started being supported by the charity at age 30, when adult services was introduced, but as soon as she started being cared for by Diverse Abilities, she loved it and made many friends.
“I am ever so thankful to Diverse Abilities for continuing the work I started, which was all because of Marilyn. The charity has grown over the past 63 years and long may it continue to support those in vital need.”
Marilyn’s birthday week was also made extra special as she received an achievement certificate at the charity’s Thank You Awards ceremony for coping with many changes in her life, due to poor health recently.
Today, Diverse Abilities supports over 2,000 local people a year through its wide range of services. Much of the provision provided to local people with disabilities is down to the support from the local community raising vital funds. For further information regarding Diverse Abilities, the charity’s story or to find out how you can get involved, please visit www.diverseabilities.org.uk or call 01202 718266.