Queens Award for Voluntary Service
Announcement by Chairman David Kaye 
Rotary Club Saffron Walden and PhysioNet
In just three hours eleven members of the Rotary Club of Saffron Walden loaded a 40ft container with mobility aids in July. For the past two and a half years the local Rotary Club has supported the Yorkshire-based charity, PhysioNet, by collecting unwanted mobility and physiotherapy equipment for distribution to developing countries. After collection and delivery in the local club’s own van to PhysioNet’s Yorkshire depot, the equipment is checked and where necessary refurbished. The work was the first time the club has filled a container in Saffron Walden and it anticipates that it will be the first of many. The container is already on its way to the Rotary Club of Northcliff in Johannesburg, which supports a wheelchair repair shop providing local employment. Demand in South Africa for mobility aids is enormous and a second 40ft container will be sent to Northcliff shortly from PhysioNet's Yorkshire base. Local Rotarian and chairman of the club’s International Committee, John Tapscott said he was proud of the work by his fellow Rotarians in filling the container so quickly. He added that so far, the club had collected around 100 tons of unwanted equipment for PhysioNet. |
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Spring Newsletter - click to read our latest news
A Physionet shipment arrives in Sri Lanka
PhysioNet was established in 2005 with the aim of providing physiotherapy and mobility equipment for the disabled in developing countries. Bulk collections of equipment are made from the NHS, Social Service Departments, Local Education Authorities and the private sector throughout the UK. PhysioNet is based in North Yorkshire with support centres in East Anglia, Lancashire, South East and the West Country. Equipment is checked and listed at the PhysioNet depot in North Yorkshire. Items are then sent in 40' containers to destinations around the world, including Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia and the Pacific.
See the video below about how people in Fiji have been helped by Physionet in conjunction with the Spinal Injury Association of Fiji.
Quotes from the beneficiaries of our work
“It is wonderful that the people of Bhutan have been given this equipment as they are desperately in need of some of the equipment you sent. Many of them live rurally and have limited access to therapy and hospital. It is good for both therapist and people with disabilities and their families to see what is possible and how much these chairs and standing frames can improve lives.”
Victoria Johnson, Pediatric Physiotherapist, Thimphu, Bhutan
I just wanted to send a big thank you again to you and to the charity that assisted with the funding to bring the container over to us. We are so grateful for the assistance that all these items will give to the disabled communities of Kabarole District, Western Uganda.
Fiona Beckerlegge, Kyaninga Child Development Centre, Kabarole District, Western Uganda
“There are no words to express our deepest gratitude! Natali is very happy with her new comfortable stroller and this photo is from our first ride at the sea garden, here in Burgas. With the old, uncomfortable and narrow stroller, our ride was horrible and only limited 20 minutes. Now we were able to enjoy our ride for more than two hours! Thank you so much, from the bottom of our hearts! God bless you”.
Spyros, father of Natali, child with Cerebral Palsy, Bulgaria
“It is wonderful that the people of Bhutan have been given this equipment as they are desperately in need of some of the equipment you sent. Many of them live rurally and have limited access to therapy and hospital. It is good for both therapist and people with disabilities and their families to see what is possible and how much these chairs and standing frames can improve lives.”
Victoria Johnson, Pediatric Physiotherapist, Thimphu, Bhutan
I just wanted to send a big thank you again to you and to the charity that assisted with the funding to bring the container over to us. We are so grateful for the assistance that all these items will give to the disabled communities of Kabarole District, Western Uganda.
Fiona Beckerlegge, Kyaninga Child Development Centre, Kabarole District, Western Uganda
“There are no words to express our deepest gratitude! Natali is very happy with her new comfortable stroller and this photo is from our first ride at the sea garden, here in Burgas. With the old, uncomfortable and narrow stroller, our ride was horrible and only limited 20 minutes. Now we were able to enjoy our ride for more than two hours! Thank you so much, from the bottom of our hearts! God bless you”.
Spyros, father of Natali, child with Cerebral Palsy, Bulgaria
