HAD Director Colin Marvell is spreading the word about the organisation across the globe - via his employer's magazine - RBS World.
Colin, from Baldock, experienced two strokes several years ago and came to HAD for help. He sought benefits advice from Elaine Martin and also received a driving assessment from Matt Miller.
As well as Colin's kind words he has also donated, via his employer, £250 to HAD. Colin is pictured (right) presenting the cheque to Annabelle Waterfield. Looking on are HAD board members (from the left): Edna Stephens, Dave Cocks, Elaine Martin, Mike Bottomley, Tim Bonnett, Margaret McCreadie and Jon Banerjee.
Here's Colin's article in full:
Dear RBS World Editor
I thought your readers might be interested in my involvement with an amazing organisation called Hertfordshire Action On Disability (HAD).
Eight years ago, following two strokes, I wobbled into HAD's Headquarters, very unsteady on my feet, having only recently having learnt to walk again.
I had been discharged from hospital after a lengthy stay, but without any type of walking aid, needed for a long awaited family holiday.
Whilst sent home from hospital, they, thankfully, had the foresight to recommend me to HAD, to hire a wheelchair.
That very first visit saw me enveloped in the genuine, warm care of an organisation that I tell people to this day literally saved my life!
Had it not been for that visit I would not have met their Chief Executive, Annabelle Waterfield and her dedicated team who provide transport, driving assessments and tuition, equipment and advice for the disabled of Hertfordshire and beyond.
Not only did Annabelle understand my immediate needs and those of my young family but HAD's whole attitude to my new, partly paralysed, partially sighted life, boosted my confidence at a time when I was unsure of my future, both at home and with NatWest.
There are too many personal stories of support, care and advice to share over the years but needless to say my indebtedness to HAD has led me to offer my skills and experience to them in a variety of ways.
Last year I was proud to accept Annabelle's invitation to become a Board Trustee and now have an input into their future.
More recently, I presented them with my Community Cashback Award and introduced them to the local MoneySense Co-ordinator in order to supplement some of their client referrals, currently directed to the Citizens Advice Bureau.