Two brothers who have worked to help children suffering with polio have had their efforts acknowledged by Prime Minister David Cameron.
Arun and Mayoor Patel founded Polio Children in 2003. The charity seeks to change the lives of polio sufferers through activities in four main areas; improving child nutrition, promoting education for girls, supplying healthcare equipment such as wheelchairs and prosthetics and providing vocational training facilities. This includes settings such as the one pictured above, where polio victims are being given a sewing class.
Arun is a member of the Rotary Club of Dagenham, while Mayoor works with dozens of clubs, and feels extremely privileged to have their support.
To date, Polio Children has raised over £1.2 million, which has provided hope for over 1,000 children suffering with polio. This is a cause extremely close to the brothers’ hearts, as at the age of just one, Arun, was left paralysed in his right leg having contracted the disease.
Polio Children’s philosophy is that strong foundations of education and vocational training will allow polio sufferers to pursue career paths that do not require unnecessary physical stress.
Thanks to Polio Children’s help, some of the beneficiaries have gone on to study at university, become qualified doctors and even worked alongside global charities to help continue the fight for polio eradication worldwide.
By encompassing the values of dedication and compassion in the face of adversity, both Arun and Mayoor have been recognised as Points of Light. This is the accolade handed out by Mr Cameron for those individuals whose hard work has impacted on communities and inspired the people within them. A copy of Mr Cameron’s Twitter post highlighting Arun and Mayoor’s work for Polio Children can be found below.
Arun and Mayoor Patel from @PolioChildren are today's #PointsofLight for changing hundreds of children's lives https://t.co/wO5qfOQ5Re
— UK Prime Minister (@Number10gov) November 13, 2015
Published: 19th November 2015
