Malvern Hills Lions Lend A Helping Hand

For the last few years members of Malvern Hills Lions and their families have assisted a charity, Event Mobility, at the 3 major shows held at the Three Counties Showground at Malvern. The first, and largest, show is the Spring Gardening Show, held this year from 7-10 May.

The help given by the Club includes unloading and loading the electric mobility scooters and manual wheelchairs from the Event Mobility transporter lorry and assisting in booking the scooters in and out; these are then hired, with appropriate guidance on how to use them, by people attending the show who have difficulty with mobility.

The scooters and wheelchairs give a feeling of independence and freedom not only those who for years have relied on others to push them around, but also those who more recently have experienced such problems.

As can be seen from the photograph, the enjoyment and sense of freedom which the hirers experience is clear to all; invariably, when returning a scooter, having used one for the first time, the hirer will comment as to the enjoyment experienced and the difference which it has made, often saying that they wouldn’t be able to attend the show without the facilities provided by Event Mobility being available.

Founded in 1998 Event Mobility is based in Kemerton, nr Tewkesbury, in Gloucestershire. From providing assistance at 12 events in 1998/9, the charity has grown and supported 69 events in 2008. The events and shows attended by Event Mobility include garden shows, golf tournaments, horse trials and many others and are all over the country.

A number of other Lions Clubs from around the country already assist; and all Lions who assist will confirm the sense of satisfaction in truly ‘making a difference’ to someone’s life. For a list of shows this year visit the Charity’s website www.eventmobility.org.uk and your Club may be able to help if there is an event near you.

Another way of helping is that a number of families have donated electric scooters when no longer needed and in memory of a loved one. If you know of scooter being available please contact Event Mobility, contact details on the above website.