New blood needed for fundraising
2:00pm Sunday 16th September 2012 in Latest News
A group in Marlborough that raises vital funding towards research into the causes and treatment of arthritis could be forced to close unless some new and younger members can be found to keep it going.
The Marlborough volunteer branch of Arthritis Research UK is on its last legs and its secretary Jane Spranger said time has caught up with most of its original members. “A lot of them are now in their 80s,” she said.
“Other members are so busy they can’t do a lot, so it would be nice if we could get some young blood.”
The branch was formed more than four decades ago after former GP Trevor Tiplady from Ramsbury started organising ‘hippy walks’ after his late wife Anne had to have a hip replacement operation when she was in her early 40s. The Rotary Club then took over and ran the walks for some years.
As a result of the walks, said Mrs Spranger, it was decided to set up a Marlborough branch of Arthritis Research UK.
Until recently Dr Tiplady was its chairman, but he has stood down because of his age and currently the branch is without a chairman.
Mrs Spranger said she was quite happy to stay on the committee and continue as secretary until a more active committee could be formed.
Adrienne Noke, Arthritis Research UK’s regional fund raising manager for the south, said: “Marlborough volunteer branch of Arthritis Research UK is facing its final days if new volunteers cannot be recruited.
“The group which was founded more than 40 years ago has raised a staggering £130,000 during that time and a recent street collection in the town centre brought in £830.
“Now the branch faces complete closure as a result of aging members who are no longer in a position to continue with the fundraising they once organised.”
Arthritis Research UK is the UK’s leading funder of research into the cause, treatment and cure of the illness and does not receive any government funding.
The charity is feeling the financial impact, added Ms Noke, as its number of volunteers dwindles.
Anyone interested in helping and joining the Marlborough branch should contract Arthritis Research’s regional office on (01590) 670461 or email a.noke@arthritisresearchuk.org for more information.
