A fine evening, with no signs of the predicted sea fret, saw Rotarians, from the two Scarborough clubs, Inner Wheel members and friends join Caroline (Chapman) to have fun and raise funds for Kidney Research Yorkshire.
The idyllic setting of The Stained Glass Centre, Killerby near Scarborough, curtesy of Simon and Val Green, provided the perfect venue and backdrop for the BBQ. Friends rallied to do the cooking, provide the tasty salads and the good array of raffle prizes. It was a really enjoyable evening, not only raising funds but awareness of kidney issues.
Back in 1971, following the sudden death of a member’s son from kidney failure, the Rotary Club of Scarborough raised enough money to purchase a property overlooking Peasholm Park to provide a holiday home for families who had a member requiring dialysis. The ‘Kidney Home’ was officially opened on 25th June 1972, with one bedroom converted so that treatment could be provided and families could enjoy time away together. Leeds Kidney Research Fund and St James Hospital provided all the back up. This was a very progressive idea back then, in fact the first such facility in the country.
Caroline took over the task of organising the ‘meeters and greeters’ rota to welcome guests as well as overseeing the housekeeping etc. New curtains, bedding, utensils etc. etc. were provided. Little did she realise that many years down the line she would develop nephrotic syndrome and CKD with the prognosis that she will require dialysis in the not too distant future. During the 1990’s the demand for the use of the house by dialysis patients reduced and the decision was made by Leeds to give up the use of the facility, however the property is still owned by the Club and used by other charitable organisations. A number of those at the BBQ had themselves been amongst the band of supporters of the facility all those years ago.
The final sum raised at this event was an amazing £850. A big, big thank you goes to everyone for their generosity.
