Sue Ryder has launched a two-year Capital Appeal to raise £3.9 million to double the size of its Aberdeen-based neurological care centre, Dee View Court.
The appeal was unveiled last night at the opening of a photography exhibition entitled: “Don’t Write Me Off”. The collection of 18 contemporary photographs features residents from Sue Ryder Neurological Care Centres united in their message: “Don’t Write Me Off.”
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Why? Free to subscribe, no paywall, daily business news digest.
Sue Ryder provides hospice and neurological care for people facing life-changing conditions. The charity’s Dee View Court is currently Scotland’s only purpose-built specialist neurological centre, caring for people living with long-term neurological conditions including, including Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis and acquired brain injuries.
In Scotland, it’s estimated that 1000 people are living with a neurological condition, with many of those placed in older people’s care homes, or living in hospitals. Within the Aberdeenshire area and Scotland more widely, there is insufficient specialist residential care and inadequate care and support for people living with complex neurological conditions.
The emotive exhibition is being supported by Kennedy Wilson Europe, which hosted the launch event at its newly refurbished H1 building at the Hill of Rubislaw, Aberdeen.
The images aim to give visitors an insight and understanding of the people, personalities and lives behind neurological conditions and celebrates the resilience of the human spirit against adversity.
Pamela Mackenzie, Sue Ryder’s Director for Neurological Services in Scotland, said: “Neurological conditions come in a number of guises – they can occur at any time, and have a devastating impact of the lives of those affected and their families. The team is hugely proud of the immeasurable impact Sue Ryder Dee View Court has had on those who use our services – by giving them the care they need and deserve, we’ve enhanced the lives of many.
“There is still so much more to be done; there is a desperate lack of care provision for people living with progressive neurological conditions. As the only purpose-built specialist neurological centre in Scotland, the need for our services is great, which is why expansion of Dee View Court is absolutely imperative for us to be able to offer our continued support and dedicated expertise.”
Trevor Garlick, Appeal Board Chair for Sue Ryder Dee View Court, said: “It’s a facility that’s a bit hidden from the people of Aberdeen. I didn’t know we had such an amazing place on our doorstep, serving not just local people from the city and shire, but offering support across Scotland. I’m passionate about championing the Appeal, raising awareness of the charity, and chairing the board for the project.
“I’ve seen first-hand the impact the centre has, and the professionalism and support offered is remarkable. In order to continue, develop and increase this, we need the backing of individuals, corporate companies, organisations, and community groups to donate, volunteer and support. Together, we can help more people get the care they need.”
Matthew Milroy of Kennedy Wilson Europe, said: “The Sue Ryder Dee View Court project is a fantastic example of a unique and incredibly important facility in Aberdeen, which offers support not just locally but also for those who are further afield. It’s invaluable to the lives of many, and we’re thrilled to be hosting the striking and poignant exhibition at our newly refurbished office building, H1 at the Hill of Rubislaw.”
The free exhibition will be open for public viewing at the H1 building, Hill of Rubislaw in Aberdeen, from Thursday, June 15 to Sunday, June 18, from 9am-7pm.
