Her Royal Highness, The Countess of Wessex, the Patron of Disability Initiative, 
visited the Camberley based Resource Centre last Thursday 30th September 2010 as DI celebrated its 35th anniversary as a charity and its 10th anniversary of being in the purpose-built centre that she and HRH Prince Edward officially opened that many years ago.
HRH toured the Resource Centre meeting many of DI’s clients and hearing their life stories and inspirational experiences.
Of particular note, were the skills that clients had gained in their digital photography sessions as they demonstrated how they could turn Andrew Reynolds, CEO of the Entrepreneur Channel and a DI benefactor, into Elton John with the trademark outrageous glasses and platform shoes of the 70s.
In addition, HRH extended her admiration to the clients who wrote and starred in a play about their trials and tribulations of getting about in wheelchairs. Whilst it was humorous, it was very poignant and provoked much thought and discussion.
Once HRH had departed, the party started with singing from the DI staff along with karaoke and dancing for all guests which made it a very special day to remember!
Guests came from far and wide, across all backgrounds. One guest, Sally Varah, the former High Sheriff of Surrey, wrote in her thank you letter, “In all, a day to remember: for the resolution, good humour and optimism demonstrated by your clients – along with their belief in DI; the commitment of an incredibly skilled staff team; and the dedication of volunteers who clearly wouldn’t be anywhere else, because they can tell, at every turn, the real difference you are making to people’s lives”.
Lucy Brown, Chief Executive of Disability Initiative comments, “We had such a fabulous day which would not have been possible without our very special clients, staff and volunteers. We are also grateful to BAM Nuttall which helped fund the day, to Windlesham Golf Club for making DI their chosen charity of the year and to Andrew Reynolds for his past generosity and his ongoing commitment to the charity – we are exceptionally fortunate to have such support so we are able to make a real difference”.