A KIND-HEARTED Badsey mum and her brother have scooped a prestigious award for their exceptional work in the community.
Tracey Hemming and Rob Welch recently became the first joint winners of The Badsey Society’s ‘Tony Jerram Award’, for their work in starting up weekly ‘Freedom Discos’ for disabled children and young people at the village’s The Pub in the Club.
Ms Hemming launched the discos back in March 2016, after being left disheartened following the closure of Evesham’s Marilyn’s nightclub disco for the disabled.
She has recently secured the keys to a new wheelchair-adapted minibus to transport disabled children to and from the discos, after spending the last six months raising £10,000 through fund-raising events and receiving donations.
Ms Hemming said: “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.”
A spokesperson for The Badsey Society said: “Tracey’s Freedom Disco began in a small way with a few donations, which enabled her to purchase second-hand disco equipment.
“It’s grown from strength to strength and enables young people, with their carers, to have an enjoyable evening in a safe and secure environment.”
Ms Hemming is hosting a celebration day on Friday, March 24 at The Pub in a Club from 2pm, where the children will thank the community for their support in getting the minibus. MP Nigel Huddleston will also be in attendance.
Visit www.badseysociety.uk for more information.
