A BADSEY mum paid tribute to the community at the launch event of a new minibus which will transport disabled children to and from her weekly discos.
Tracey Hemming hosted a celebration day last Friday (March 24) at Badsey’s The Pub in a Club to thank the numerous Vale groups and businesses who rallied together to raise more than £10,000 for the minibus in just six months.
Young people who will use the minibus were at the event to meet and thank those who donated and raised cash for the appeal and MP Nigel Huddleston also attended to show his support.
Some of the businesses and community groups to get on board with the appeal included Growers United who donated £2,000, Howdens Joinery and Mencap who raised £500, Vale of Evesham Round Table who donated £300, Bubbles Launderette who raised £50 and Go Faster Graphics in Hampton, who raised funds through a JustGiving page.
The Pub in a Club also hosts Ms Hemming’s ‘Freedom Discos’ which the caring mum launched in March 2016 after being left disheartened following the closure of Evesham’s Marilyn’s nightclub disco for the disabled.
“I’m ecstatic. I never thought we would raise the funds to get a minibus in just six months. We’re only a small group, so I didn’t expect this much help. It really touches your heart,” Ms Hemming told the Observer.
“The children were so excited when they saw the minibus. They love singing on the bus to and from the discos,” she added.
Mr Huddleston said: “I’m so pleased with the huge success of the fund-raising efforts for the minibus.
“It’s a credit to the hard work Tracey put in and it was heartening to see the community and local businesses come together to raise the funds.
“The Freedom Disco is a fantastic local event and I’m delighted it will now be accessible to more young people in Worcestershire,” he added.
