The MERU workshops in Epsom were spick and span on Thursday 14 June to welcome HRH Princess Alexandra on a Royal visit.
Her Royal Highness was warmly welcome by MERU CEO Susan Brumpton together with staff and volunteers and visiting dignitaries; Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey Dame Sarah Goad DCVO JP, Dr Karin Sehmer, High Sheriff of Surrey, Councillor Christine Long, Mayor of Epsom and Ewell, David Munro, Vice Chair of Surrey County Council, QEF Chairman Rob Douglas CBE and QEF CEO Jonathan Powell.
Her Royal Highness was shown around the workshops where MERU designs and builds specialised equipment, not available off-the-shelf, for children and young people with disabilities. Some examples of the equipment were on display; young Mia proudly showed her adapted bicycle, a service also provided to her mother when she was young, and Ben and Ewan demonstrated their Bugzi skills. Bugzi is a power-chair designed specifically for children to familiarise them with the controls and assist their mobility.
HRH Princess Alexandra said, “I think that the work you do is wonderful. The families are so brave and the children so inspiring.”
Her Royal Highness also met champion swimmer Lauren Sullivan, who will be proudly bearing the Olympic Torch in July.
MERU CEO Susan Brumpton was thrilled with the visit, “Her Royal Highness put us at ease right from the start. Her interest in our work and the families we support was very encouraging. Our staff and volunteers thoroughly enjoyed the visit and it has given us all a great lift.”
For more photographs of the visit, check out our Facebook page
