DEMAND take a trip to Downing Street

When an Abbots Langley charity received an invitation to a reception at Downing Street, they jumped at the chance to attend. Samantha Cameron, the Prime Minister’s wife, invited Abbots Langley-based charity DEMAND (Design and Manufacture for Disability) to a reception for the charity to her home. Mrs Cameron first became aware of the charity in 2008 when she and David Cameron required a bespoke over bath drying table for their late disabled son Ivan.  Among the people attending were DEMAND’s Patron Esther Rantzen, Kingsley Napley’s Alison Moore and Mr Eric Morgan, Trustee from The Reece Foundation. DEMAND, based in Mallard Road, chose to use the reception to celebrate what they have achieved and what they are becoming. CEO Gary Evans said: “It was also an opportunity to thank long standing supporters as well as engage with potential new supporters.” The event began with a talk by Mrs Cameron and guests were shown a short film featuring DEMAND’s design work to aid five-year-old Rio Woolf. DEMAND had made a leg support to aid Rio’s prosthetic leg when sitting down at home and school and had also helped his bath time by making a bespoke set of bath steps. Following the film, Mr Evans said a few words of thanks and explained how the funding DEMAND receives helps those in need. He said: “We couldn’t cut a piece of metal or a piece of wood without donations, every job is, in reality, a mini research and development project, which not only benefits the individual and their immediate family, but often the wider community also.” Every year DEMAND needs to raise approximately £850,000 to continue its charitable work. While the Christmas tree lights shone outside Number 10, DEMAND guests enjoyed drinks and warm canapés while sharing stories and ideas. For more information on DEMAND visit www.demand.org.uk