A WOLSINGHAM lady has had her story published in a magazine.
Gemma Marshall, 39, was born with Cerebral Palsy and has experienced all the problems that can occur and the obstacles that must be surmounted that come with that physical disability. When she left education, she wanted to progress into the world of work but that proved the hardest obstacle to overcome. She wanted so much to be a useful member of society but even her offers of work voluntarily were dismissed. It seemed like she was destined to remain unemployable and it was devastating – until she discovered the Enham Trust.
Enham Trust is a disability charity based in Hampshire that supports disabled people to live, work and enjoy life to the full, as independently as possible. Throughout their 100 year history it has provided vital care and support to thousands of disabled individuals with wide ranging physical and learning disabilities.
The charity helped Gemma enter the world of work and she could not have been happier. Hers is one of the many success stories of Enham Trust. And it is that story which has appeared in the Enham Trust September newsletter to underline the success of the charity and to encourage others never to give up.
Gemma certainly never gave up and was constantly thriving to live her life as best she can. She enjoys playing the sport of New Age Kurling and takes part in Blind Life in Durham’s annual competition that takes place in Wolsingham. She has been on the winning team more than once!
Enham Trust helped her into full-time employment in a solicitor’s office as an assistant but was later promoted to Audio Secretary. She started in 2006 after so many depressing rejections from other employers. Sadly, Gemma was made redundant and had to start again to find someone who would see past her disabilities.
Enham Trust provided her with the practical tools, encouragement and support she needed to be successful in her work and Gemma is now thriving in a full-time career that she thoroughly enjoys, not least because she is contributing to society, paying her taxes and earning her own money. It IS a charity and relies on donations to continue this excellent work. Gemma’s father, Andrew, is now in training for next year’s London Marathon in aid of the Trust.
Gemma, who is never without a smile on her face and brightens the day of everyone she comes into contact with, is very grateful to Enham and her family for the support and encouragement they have provided.
She said, “Enham helped me to get my first full-time job after many years of trying and when they asked me to feature in their magazine, I was very happy to do so. I really enjoyed asking the questions they asked to be able to write my story and I hope everyone enjoys reading it.”
If you would like to donate to this charity, search for Enham Trust or if you are able to sponsor Andrew for the London Marathon, go to: Andrew Marshall is fundraising for Enham Trust
