Double celebration for innovative Leg Club
Volunteers and members of an innovative leg club are celebrating one year since the group opened its doors, this week.
But it’s a double celebration for Waun Wen Leg Club in Trebanog, as the club have also picked up a national award for their work at the Leg Club Foundation Volunteer Awards.
Waun Wen Leg Club provides community-based treatment and care for people of all age groups who suffer with leg-related problems. Instead of travelling to a hospital clinic for an appointment to have wounds cleaned and dressed, members of the club are able to go along to Waun Wen Community Centre in Trebanog every Wednesday.
Nurses are on hand to provide treatment and advice but the club is run by an enthusiastic group of volunteers who organise fundraising events to pay for the room, refreshments and any other equipment that may be required.
The group was awarded the Annual Volunteer Award in recognition of the work of the volunteers. The panel of judges praised everyone involved for the work they do to help the local community, commenting:
“Although this is a relatively new leg club, they seem to have achieved a great deal. This Leg Club goes above and beyond – it draws at the heartstrings. The volunteers have done a great contribution in a short time in the smooth running of the Leg Club and should be congratulated!”
The group celebrated with a 1st birthday party this week, where the award was handed over to the volunteers and members by Cwm Taf Morgannwg’s Chair Marcus Longley, who praised the volunteers for their hard work:
“This award is so well deserved. Without the work of our volunteers the leg club wouldn’t exist and wouldn’t be the success it is today.”
Chair of the voluntary committee, Margaret Tegg said they were proud to win the award: “A year ago we started with four members and we now have 110. We have the pleasure of being social with members who tell us it helps with depression and makes them feel supported. Receiving the award is a very nice surprise.”
Members of the club say that as well as providing great care, the club has helped them to socialise and meet new people. Members are encouraged to stay after their legs have been treated to take part in activities such as bingo, arts and crafts and raffles.
Laurie Saurin, from Tonypandy has been attending the group since it opened a year ago. He said: “I’ve met a lot of people that I don’t want to be without anymore. I come every week and look forward to a Wednesday.”
Fellow member, Derek Dilling agreed: “Everyone is so pleasant, they can’t do enough for you. You get to know people, everyone is very sociable. Even if my legs got better I’d still come.”
The Leg Club is in Waun Wen Community Centre and is open to members from 9:30am until 12:30 every Wednesday morning. Anyone with lower limb problems is able to attend for treatment or advice.
Further information about the Leg Club can be found at www.legclub.org
