Phyllis Edwards, the founder of Dorset charity Diverse Abilities, turned 100 on Sunday 5 November and celebrated with friends and family at Two Cedars in Broadstone, the residential care home that she has lived for five years.
Two Cedars held a tea party to celebrate her special birthday and all her guests enjoyed sandwiches, cake and a glass of prosecco to toast the birthday lady.
In attendance to wish Phyllis a happy birthday were two special guests – the Mayor of Poole, Councillor Lindsay Wilson and the Queen’s local representative Mr Angus Campbell, the Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset. Mr Angus Campbell presented Phyllis with her card and message from Her Majesty the Queen while the Mayor of Poole presented a telegram from Government.
Jenny Pearce, communications manager at Diverse Abilities, said: “Phyllis had a wonderful day celebrating her birthday alongside friends and family. Two Cedars hosted a fantastic afternoon, which Phyllis very much enjoyed. When opening the card from the Queen, she was very overwhelmed and felt privileged to have received it.”
Diverse Abilities is commemorating Phyllis’ birthday throughout the whole of November and celebrating how far the charity has come thanks to her incredible courage, unwavering belief and sheer persistence that there must be a better way to support those with disabilities.
Today, Diverse Abilities supports over 2,000 local people a year through its wide range of services. Over the past 63 years, families have been kept together as thousands of children and adults with disabilities have been cared for and given the support and services they need to fulfil their potential.
Much of the provision provided to local people with disabilities is down to the support from the local community raising vital funds.
To honour Phyllis’ birthday and continue the legacy for years to come, Diverse Abilities is asking local people and businesses to support the work she started by giving a gift of £100 to celebrate her 100 years.
Ashley Weedon, fundraising manager at Diverse Abilities, said: “If, like Phyllis, you believe that everyone, regardless of the cards dealt to them, deserves to be given the chance to lead happy, fulfilled lives, please donate what you can – all donations would be very gratefully received and will continue the vital work Diverse Abilities does to support those with disabilities locally.”
For further information regarding Diverse Abilities and the charity’s story please visit www.diverseabilities.org.uk/Phyllis