My chosen charity this year is White Lodge, which
is the charity being supported this year by my brother-in-law, Colin Berkeley,
captain of Windlesham Golf Club. This is what he has to say about White Lodge.
My son Patrick, 23-yrs, suffers from spinal dysraphism,
a congenital disease of the nervous system that caused the malformation of his
lower limbs and central nervous system. The bespoke footwear and later,
orthotic splints provided to him by White Lodge until he reached 18-yrs,
enabled him to walk with the help of crutches. The independence White Lodge
gave Patrick literally changed his life and I have picked White Lodge as my
charity so that we can raise funds to help them help more children like Patrick.
The Berkeley family are all recent prize winners in this
competition so I know they will be eager participants as well as appreciating
your support this year.
25% of entry fees directed will go directly
to White Lodge, plus £2,000 - kindly donated by our Sponsor, Waverton Investment Management.
Who are White Lodge? -
Established nearly sixty years ago, White Lodge provide facilities and services
for nearly 2,500 disabled children across Surrey and beyond. Their ‘Pathways’
programme includes a hydrotherapy pool to aid muscle relaxation and pain
reduction and improve stability. Children’s’ senses are stimulated in their
specially equipped sensory room and children of all ages learn how to cook and
bake in a specially adapted kitchen. ‘Treetops’ is White Lodge’s purpose-built
building where they provide respite care for disabled children and young
people. Six specially adapted children’s bedrooms benefit from accessible and
landscaped gardens for outdoor activities. ‘Rendezvous’ is their fully
accessible hub building, sensory garden, and patio. Here, children with physical
and neurological disabilities receive physiotherapy and rehabilitation in the
specialist therapy gym and fitness studio. The integral café allows families
and carers to join their children here too.