Helping Compassion get about: a legacy in action.

When it comes to getting from home to help it is often the most vulnerable who are the least mobile. So on 8th September, Grange-over-Sands Soroptimists were delighted to help people on their way a little with a new set of wheels. In the form of a car donated to St Mary’s Hospice Compassionate Community Services. Their donation was made possible by a legacy from former member Carol Edwards. Always active and always a concerned pioneer, Carol was born in Liverpool and retired to the South Lakes. On her way, as an educator dedicated to children with special needs she developed then revolutionary techniques in play therapy. These included drama and singing, and the foundation of a children’s choir which even made it to the Eisteddfod in Wales. Always involved and enthusiastic about finding dynamic ways to help any community, as a Soroptimist in Grange-over-Sands, there was no stopping her. Discovering years after his death –and by chance – that a choir in Prague had recorded a song written by father, she lost no time in contacting members there. The result is a lasting and inspiring link between the South Lakes and Czech Republic. Now, via a fabulous legacy to the club, Carol’s enthusiastic spirit lives on. The car bought with her donation will foster the vital outreach services of the hospice and particularly benefit people suffering from dementia. Her love of music will be reflected in the sponsorship of young music therapists as they learn. That is another story. But this one, being remembered for helping those so often forgotten, is a fabulous happy end for all concerned.