Local Woman With Learning Disabilities Spreads Love This Valentine’s Day

A woman with learning disabilities from Lympne is rhyming her way to Valentine’s Day as she takes on a creative fundraiser for the service where she is supported.

Molly is writing a poem every day from 1 February until 14 February to raise funds towards a ‘Big Build’ at her service, which is run by national charity, Hft. The 27 year old has been supported by the charity for five years and was inspired to use her hobby to support a good cause after struggling with her mental health during the pandemic. Poetry has always been an important part of Molly’s life, but her passion has increased during the last year, as it’s been a source of comfort during a sometimes lonely time. Now Molly is writing a new collection of poems inspired by subjects such as love and the arrival of spring to raise funds for other people with learning disabilities.

All funds raised by Molly are set to go towards a Big Build at her service, which has over five acres of land, where people regularly enjoy socialising and taking part in activities. Looking to make the most out of the space, Hft staff embarked on a renovation project in 2016 and have since fundraised enough to build an outdoor gym, with plans currently in place to create accessible footpaths and an updated sensory room. Money raised in this challenge is set to go towards building a ramp and improving access to the outdoor gym, helping Molly and her friends to be able to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

Molly is being supported throughout her challenge by her support workers, who have helped her to cope with the disruption to her routines caused by the pandemic. From hosting art session to replace activities previously held in the community, to encouraging Molly to exercise by exploring new music to dance to, creative support offered by staff has helped to boost her wellbeing during a challenging time. As Molly gets closer to Valentine’s Day and the end of her challenge, her support team are planning for her poems to be displayed at her service.

Molly’s poetry challenge forms part of Hft’s 1.4 challenge event, which sees the charity asking fundraisers to raise money for adults with learning disabilities by taking on activities based around the numbers 1 and 4, such as dancing for 14 minutes, or making 14 Valentine’s Day cards.

Molly said: “I’ve been writing poems on and off for years, whenever my emotions are overwhelming and I need to get it all out. I struggle with my mental health and mobility daily so I’m trying to raise money to improve easy access to the swings and outside space at my service. I’m very proud to be taking on this challenge.”

Emma Macdonald, Sports and Challenge Events Manager at Hft, said: “Love is more important than ever this Valentine’s Day, when lots of people might be missing family, friends and other loved ones. We can’t think of a better way to mark the day than by raising money for a great cause, just like Molly is doing. We’re so proud of her talent, creativity and resilience during what continues to be an incredibly tough time for people with learning disabilities. We’re hoping that thanks to her beautiful poetry, Molly and others at Hft South Kent will be able to enjoy their time spent outdoors even more, just in time for spring.”