Walkers at the finish line

Submitted to Dover Express

The weather was perfect as friends and tenants from Discovery Park in Sandwich took part in a marathon walk to benefit local charity Martha Trust.

The goal was to raise funds for a portable eye gazing device to help residents communicate with their families, friends and caregivers. Technology is life changing, although the machines are very expensive – they cost £ 9,800 each.

Martha developed the use of gaze technology in their homes so that non-verbal residents could learn to speak using a computer. It has transformed the lives of residents and their loved ones.

“We’ve learned how to communicate with them and make sure they participate in activities that they not only enjoy, but which are also beneficial to their health and well-being,” said Kerry Banks, Collection Manager. of funds and events.

Rob Crook, who works for Pfizer in Sandwich, organized Marathon4Martha “because every child has the right to be heard”.

On September 26, walkers set out from Discovery Park to cover just over 27 miles on beautiful routes through the East Kent countryside and along the Thanet Coast.

The highlight of the day was when they stopped at Martha’s House in Hacklinge, near Deal, to be greeted by a small group of residents and caregivers.

Rob said:

“It was fantastic to see so many friends and tenants of Discovery Park take on this challenge of raising funds for such a fantastic charity. Everyone had a great day and the atmosphere and weather was great.

As the post on their JustGiving page said: “Lots of fun and laughs. Lots of blisters too. A prosecco and a few appetizers at the end were welcome.

Until recently, Martha relied on a common gaze, which had to be connected to a laptop and remain static in her activity room. However, thanks to a number of trusts and foundations, as well as Marathon4Martha, the charity is now able to purchase four portable units.

Kerry said:

“Not only will this open up our communication program within our homes, but it will also mean that we can use it off-site during outings and hospital appointments, which will allow our residents to chat during their visits. travel and have the opportunity to interact during medical visits. appointment.

“We would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to Rob Crook at Discovery Park for providing lunch, to everyone who attended, to everyone who donated and to the Pfizer Community Grant of £ 1,500.”

It’s not too late to support Marathon4Martha by visiting their fundraising page here.

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