This year marks the 30th anniversary of the opening of the highly regarded Hertfordshire facility, the Danesbury Neurological Centre in School Lane, Welwyn.
It is also the same anniversary for the popular Danesbury and QVM Hospital charity shop in the High Street, which made it possible in the first place, together with the support of the local community and previous trustees.
Money was raised to build the centre and patients have been supported ever since, mainly from the shop proceeds.
“We celebrated with our trustees, staff and volunteers at a party in Church House recently,” said Marianne Hawes, Chair of the Friends of Danesbury.
“It was a double celebration to include the 80th birthday of our manager, Brian King, who has been so instrumental in making the shop such a success."
Brian, who lives in Woolmer Green, was awarded the MBE for services to the community in 2002.
For many years he ran Halls Gentlemen’s Outfitters in Welwyn High Street, until it closed in 1992. He then took over as manager of the charity shop, which opened soon after.
In the annual Oscar Award ceremony, held as part of Welwyn Festival Week, the Danesbury shop has won no less than four times, for the best contribution to village life.
Marianne added: “We raised almost £1,000 last month on our stall at this year’s Welwyn Street Market plus the Family Fun Day on Singlers Marsh.
"Our involvement also continues to raise awareness about what we do, especially the additional help we give in the wider Hertfordshire community.”
The original Danesbury home in Welwyn was a hospital and respite centre caring for local people with neurological diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis - and was falling into disrepair.
The NHS planned to sell the property and re-home patients in other facilities. The Friends of Danesbury & the Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital stepped in to help build a purpose-built unit for the patients which was to remain in the local area.
The Danesbury Building Appeal was launched with many events organised to raise funds, including opening the charity shop on the High Street. Initially it was thought for six months.
The appeal raised almost £1million towards the cost of the new premises, now known as Danesbury Neurological Centre.
Marianne said: “The much-needed funds raised through the charity shop are now our major source of income and over the years has paid for refurbishment at the QVM hospital, a new day room at Danesbury Neurological Centre, a sensory garden, a specially adapted vehicle to take patients out, equipment to help with rehabilitation as well as day to day support for the patients such as daily newspapers and fish and chip suppers.
"We also offer support to patients in other neurological units in the county and in the community.”
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