The Pioneering Care Centre in Newton Aycliffe welcomed members from the Durham Masonic Benevolent Fund to see first-hand the work needed to renovate the Hydrotherapy Pool and gladly accepted a generous donation of £1,000.

PCP got in touch with the Benevolent Committee following a recommendation from Robbie Davison from the Aycliffe Lodge. Carol Gaskarth, PCP Chief Executive said, “As a registered charity without statutory funding, PCP is relying upon grants, donations and community fundraising to help us to reach our target of £410,000 to replace the Hydrotherapy Pool. We have been astounded at the level of support and generosity to date. After a chat with Robbie we made an application to the Benevolent Committee of the Province of Durham who awarded us £1,000. Every penny received takes us one step closer to making this ambitious project a reality. We’ve raised about £300,000 to date but cannot rest on our laurels; all contributions are very gladly received!”

Barry Knevitt, PCP’s Chairperson, added, “The hydrotherapy pool is particularly well-used by older people, those with physical disabilities, children and young people and adults with learning disabilities. After 20 years of use it is now in need of a total overhaul. Not only do we need to install a new pool and plant room, after listening to what users want the plans included a larger pool, more changing facilities, improved sensory equipment and better ceiling hoists. Not cheap but much needed and we would like to thank Durham Freemasons for their kind donation.”

Christos A Katsambis, Jack Richardson and Stewart Bell from the Benevolent Committee presented PCP with the cheque and were keen to hear about the therapeutic benefits of Hydrotherapy and to learn during 2018-19 over 19,000 Hydrotherapy Pool appointments were offered to people without the need for a medical/GP referral.

If you would like to know more about the ‘DIVE IN’ campaign please call 01325 321234 or email: enquiries@pcp.uk.net