Your free All Together NOW! disability-focused newspaper is counting down to its 21st anniversary, and we want to hear how the multi award-winning publication has helped or inspired you.
Against all odds, the paper, the only one of its kind in the country, has managed to survive and become a lifeline to tens of thousands of readers. This has been possible due to tremendous commercial support from organisations like United Utilities, grants from local funders, and generous donations from readers. Two years ago, the charity was also bequeathed £25,000 from the will of a former head teacher at Boughton Heath Primary School, Chester.
"This newspaper is so important to the community," wrote Pat (Audrey) Lowe. "People just don't realise that even the fittest of us become disabled at some time. That's why we can't afford to lose this newspaper. It is so vital for people like me who are not online. It's a lifeline and should be supported by all of us, and especially by the NHS and local authorities. All schools right across the region should get copies so pupils and students can begin to understand the everyday issues disabled people face and how they can be overcome."
GOING FAST: Don't miss your FREE spring issue. More than 30,000 copies of the spring issue have already been snapped up. Pat's comments are echoed by readers all over Merseyside and Cheshire. One day that may happen, but for the moment, the charity's fight goes on to continue publishing the 50,000 copies it already does.
That's where you may be able to help. Your messages telling how All Together NOW! has helped you, or a relative or friend, will be featured in the anniversary issue and just might persuade funders and philanthropists to support our work. Please send your letters to: All Together NOW! The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP. You can also email the charity at: news@alltogethernow.org.uk.
Andy Reid Becomes First Triple Amputee to Complete London Marathon
Congratulations to Andy Reid, who broke the London Marathon record books by becoming the first triple amputee to complete the gruelling course. The father-of-two from St Helens is turning 50 this year and was determined to mark it in style. Clocking a time of 12hrs, 34mins, 54 secs, he said: "I'm exhausted but delighted to have made it. It's one of the hardest things I've ever done. This marathon was not just about raising funds, but also about inspiring other people to see what they can achieve with the right help and mindset."
The former Afghanistan veteran's life was changed in a second while on patrol in Helmand Province in 2009. He has since focused on raising funds for the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), which helped him after his injury, and his own Standing Tall Foundation, which provides mental health counselling and welfare support.
