Mark will be putting the bulk of the money towards a specially adapted car, which, he says, "will make a real difference to my employment prospects, as well as having an enormous impact on my independence and lifestyle". He continued: "The fact that Light Relief got involved so early helped with my initial fears for my family's welfare and thus with my rehabilitation."
Mark wanted to use the occasion to thank everyone involved, saying: "Getting through an experience like this is a physical and mental journey. The material support is extremely helpful, but the care and affection shown by so many is just as beneficial. I am grateful to Light Relief for being an appropriate focus, as well as for the generosity of the fund itself." Anyone still wishing to make a donation for Mark can send cheques made payable to 'Light Relief for Mark Ridler' to Light Relief, 1a Langton Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8XA.
Light Relief was also the recipient of a cheque from the Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA), the association had collected the money in the form of entry fees for the PLASA Show Awards scheme. Trustee Lesley Harmer accepted a cheque for £3,000 from PLASA chairman David Hopkins OBE.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
