Russell Willcox - Chairman of DEMAND
Having taken over as Chairman in October 2007 my first duty is to thank my predecessor Mike Willis, for 8 years of leadership in which the charity has doubled in size and tripled the number of disabled people we have been able to help. We are fortunate to retain his experience as a trustee.
It is my sad duty to report the death of our Patron Lord Renton, whose late wife founded DEMAND, and who remained actively involved until very recently. his daughters Caroline and Claire have kindly agreed to become Patrons and continue the family interest in the charity.
Our aim is to help as many disabled people as possible by meeting their unique equipment needs. In 2007 we have helped more disabled people than ever before. However, to put the scale of the task in perspective there are over 10 million disabled adults in the UK, and only a tiny proportion of their need for special equipment is being met by a combination of the government and private sectors. The niche of providing equipment specifically tailored to individuals is addressed predominantly, but incompletely, by the voluntary sector.
In 2006 we embarked upon a strategy of geographic expansion to help us achieve our goal of helping as many disabled people as possible. We opened a branch in Yorkshire which has been a substantial success and we have invested in resources in 2007 so that we can consolidate in Yorkshire and continue to expand further. This investment accounts for the end of year deficit in 2007 and we fully expect a return to balanced books in 2008.
I would like to say thank you to all our supporters in 2007, and urge you to continue (and increase!) your support. Our work depends upon your donations. Our message for 2008 and beyond is that we intend to continue to grow so that we can make a real difference to more disabled people. To do that we need substantial financial support. Please come and visit us, so that we can show you our work at first hand.
