WESC Foundation – The Specialist Centre for Visual Impairment announces the appointment of local celebrity, Judi Spiers as its first Ambassador.

A school and college for children, young people and adults with sight loss based in Topsham Road, Exeter, was established 176 years ago. The charity made the announcement of its new Ambassador, at a private event held for 20 guests in the ‘Dart Room’, overlooking the finishing line at Exeter Racecourse at the ‘Family Day’ race day.

Local celebrity, Judi Spiers has been a great compere and host for many fundraising events over the years and an excellent Master of Ceremonies and auctioneer. A popular and witty presenter with her own prime-time show on BBC Radio Devon, Judi draws in the crowds; a great entertainer, she interacts with the audience to make events memorable and helps to raise much needed funds for charities.

Tracy de Bernhardt Dunkin, WESC Foundation’s Principal and Chief Executive said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Judi Spiers as WESC’s first Ambassador to help engage the public and raise awareness of our services. WESC looks forward to working with Judi at our fundraising events to help raise vital funds for the visually impaired young people at our school and college.”

Judi Spiers said: “As soon as I met the people at WESC Foundation, I was really impressed and knew this was a charity that meant business and knew how to get it for the people who matter. I can’t wait to get ‘stuck in’ and am honoured to be their first Ambassador.”

And everyone was a winner, as WESC was chosen as the designated charity for the ‘Family Day’ held at Exeter Racecourse with volunteers and staff collecting over 200 on the day. These much needed funds will go towards the charity’s target of 25,000 for their Horse Simulator Appeal, launched by the charity’s therapy team which to-date has raised 14,000.

Horse-riding has regularly been used as one of the therapies at WESC, as a valuable form of education and exercise, beneficial both to physical and mental wellbeing. he horse simulator was originally designed for the rehabilitation of injured jockeys and the potential it gives for muscle strengthening, has meant it is a valuable therapeutic tool for disabled riders.

www.wescfoundation.ac.uk

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