Damien Moore MP visits Southport's RSPCA Branch

SOUTHPORT MP Damien Moore has visited the Southport and Ormskirk District branch of the RSPCA to learn more about the work they are doing and to see the animals in their care. Mr Moore spent the morning touring the animal centre, speaking with staff, and hearing about the various cases that have been brought to the centre over the past few weeks. The Branch Manager, Paul Gibson, showed Mr Moore around the site, explaining how the animals came into the RSPCA's care and, in many cases, what medical support they have provided them. They discussed the challenges the Pandemic had posed, especially around uptick in pet ownership and the impact this had on RSPCA centres, and the opportunities that the lifting of restrictions has given them, including on their annual Summer Fair. The RSPCA Branch are now able to hold their Summer Fair, on 11 September 2022, to raise much-needed funds for the animal centre.  The fair will take place between midday and 4pm at the RSPCA's animal centre on New Cut Lane, and will include a:- "fun dog show," agility demonstration, BBQ, home-made ice cream, and several stalls run by supporters. Mr Moore is encouraging those living in Southport and the surrounding areas to add the date of the Summer Fair to their diaries, and show the local RSPCA team just how much support they have across the area.

Damien Moore, MP for Southport, said:- "It was wonderful to visit Southport's RSPCA branch and meet not only their brilliant team, but some of the lovely animals in their care too. The team do such wonderful work to improve animal welfare in our Town, and I really want to thank them for all that they do. Many of these animals are looking for new homes, so to get started on your journey to find your future pet, please do come along to the RSPCA Summer Fair, on 11 September 2022, to meet the team. This promises to be a great family day out, with all the money raised going to an excellent cause. I will continue to do all that I can to support the RSPCA both locally and nationally as Southport's Member of Parliament."

Paul Gibson, RSPCA Southport and Ormskirk Branch Manager, said:- "It's always great to welcome Mr Moore to the branch to showcase the work we are doing. We have a fantastic team here in Southport who are all passionate about supporting the animals we care for. As a Branch we find it incredibly useful to be able to provide our MP with feedback on what is working well, and what regulations perhaps need strengthening, and to make sure animals are well protected, both in Southport and elsewhere. We thank Mr Moore for his visit, and look forward to welcoming the wider Southport community to the centre on 11 September 2022!"

More information on the Summer Fair can be found at the following link:- ShoutOut.Wix.Com.

Spinal injuries team welcomes Horatio's Garden cyclists

THE North West Regional Spinal Injuries Centre was delighted to welcome Horatio's Garden to its specialist rehabilitation centre as part of a gruelling charity cycle challenge.

Based at Southport and Formby District General Hospital, the centre is 1 of 8, in England, and has been rehabilitating people with spinal cord injuries and helping them live their lives to the fullest since 1947.

Horatio's Garden is a charity that creates and cares for beautiful gardens in NHS Spinal Injury Centres across the UK, and is named after Horatio Chapple, who was tragically killed on an expedition to Svalbard, in the Norwegian Arctic, aged 17.

A team of 5, which includes:- Horatio's brother, Titus Chapple, Toby Morgan Grenville, a former patient at The Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre in Salisbury, along with Horatio Chapple's best friend Robin Butler, Olivia Caplan and Mortimer McKechnie are taking on the mammoth challenge of cycling to all 11 NHS Spinal Injury Centres in the UK.

The epic journey covers nearly 1,100 miles, which the team will complete over 11 consecutive days. The team's aim is to highlight the specialist needs of patients with spinal cord injuries and the centres of excellence where they are cared for.

On Friday, 29 July 2022, the team visited Southport Hospital, and were greeted by staff, including:- Anne Marie Stretch, Managing Director of Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, and current patients, where they were treated to a tea party and a tour of the centre, ahead of the next part of their journey.

The North West Regional Spinal Injuries Centre cares for both adults and children and provides individualised care plans to meet the needs of the patient, helping to prepare them to live as independently as possible when they are discharged.

Southport and Ormskirk NHS Hospital Trust Managing Director Anne-Marie Stretch said:- "We were delighted to welcome the Horatio's Garden team to our Spinal Injuries Centre as part of their fantastic efforts to raise awareness for patients with spinal cord injuries. Our dedicated staff provide excellent care to help patients rehabilitate in our care and we are proud to be a centre of excellence."

The charity plans to establish a Horatio's Garden at all 11 NHS Spinal Injury Centres, including the 1 at Southport Hospital.

Titus Chapple, son of the founders of Horatio's Garden charity, said:- "I'm so proud of what my parents have achieved in memory of my brother Horatio. The cycle challenge is a big undertaking, but I'm delighted to be taking part to help raise funds for future Horatio's Gardens across the country, giving more people living with spinal injury access to these beautiful sanctuaries. I know Horatio will be watching our backs and encouraging us all the way."

To support the 11 day Horatio's Cycle challenge, please visit:- HoratiosGarden.Org.UK/HoratiosCycle and follow their journey on:- Instagram.com/HoratiosCycle.