Marina chooses charity for 2017

CHURCH Minshull Aqueduct Marina on the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal has chosen Muscular Dystrophy UK, 'Anne's Wish' as its charity for 2017.

Rob Eddon, who purchased the marina's Crick showboat and now moors at the marina, suggested the charity. Muscular Dystrophy UK is a leading charity dedicated to fighting very rare and progressive muscle-weakening and wasting conditions, writes Chris Owen-Roberts.

In memory

In February 2016 Rob sadly lost his wife, Anne, to inclusion body myositis (IBM). Rob and his family set up a family fund called ‘Anne's Wish' in memory of Anne, in order to help fund research into the condition. IBM affects the ability to swallow; arm and leg muscles weaken leading to profound difficulties in walking and climbing stairs as well as breathing problems.

The marina heard about the effects of the condition during arrangements for Rob's new boat build. Keen to know more and being aware of how much time Rob and Anne liked to spend on their narrowboat, the marina decided on Muscular Dystrophy UK as their chosen charity for 2017.

Marina Director, Robert Parton explained:

"At Aqueduct Marina we pride ourselves on our community engagement and knowing we can make a difference by supporting a member of our community to achieve his dream gives us great joy."

Marina questionnaire

So far Aqueduct Marina has raised £177 for Anne's Wish Muscular Dystrophy UK by donating £1 for each feedback received in the recent Marina questionnaire. Many other activities are planned such as the Christmas Fayre on 27th November of this year, a Staff ‘Go Orange for a Day' on 27 January 2017, the Boaters' Bash and Open Day on 23 and 24 July 2017 and other themed fund raising events for next year.