MP SALUTES 'LOCAL HERO' (West Bromwich and Warley Liberal Democrats)

West Bromwich and Warley Liberal Democrats <info@westbromwichandwarleylibdems.org.uk>

MP SALUTES 'LOCAL HERO'

July 6, 2009 12:00 AM
Originally published by West Midlands Liberal Democrats

Lorely Burt MP congratulates Jean Garfield on her award

Lorely Burt MP saluted a 'local hero' from Solihull at the 9th annual awards ceremony, hosted by The Experience Corps, in Westminster last week. Eighty-year-old Jean Garfield was nominated by Lorely to receive the award as recognition for her efforts over forty years making life better for special needs children in Solihull and East Birmingham.

Jean and her husband Alan became parents forty two years ago when their son, Andrew was born with Down's Syndrome. They soon discovered there were lots of parents who craved for a few hours a day when they could "live their own lives" safe in the knowledge that their loved ones were in safe and caring hands. Out of this necessity Solihull Handicapped Children's Association (now Solihull Children's special Needs Association) was born in 1968.

Having got the Association going, one of Jean's first tasks was to raise what was then a huge sum of £26,000 required to build the Playschool in Green Lane, Shirley, and additional sums to provide special needs equipment for the children.

She has continued her fundraising activities to this day and is still more than willing to give talks to local groups who show interest in supporting their activities. Jean has also been treasurer to the Solihull Swimming branch of the Special Olympics for the past twenty years. Apart from managing the finances, she runs swimming groups regularly and has arranged transport and accommodation for galas as far-a-field as Glasgow and the Channel Islands.

Jean has also supported and helped Riding for the Disabled and was on the house committee for Sunny Mount, a home for adults with special needs.

"Jean has contributed massively to helping well over 1500 special needs children and their parents over the past four decades", said Lorely. "I was delighted to nominate Jean for this award year's award which is thoroughly deserved."