~~ May / June 2008 ~~

                      MERLIN CONSTRUCTION BEGINS!

On the 15th of May 2008 a crowd of some 60 supporters of The Merlin Project  triumphantly gathered to watch our Patron Lady Mary Holborow, turn the first sod at the Hewaswater site, thus beginning the construction of The Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre for Cornwall.

This long-awaited and eagerly anticipated event brought great sighs of relief as well as great excitement, that our much-needed centre will at last be in operation in the early New Year. Enormous thanks go to all our valiant and hard-working supporters, who have worked tirelessly and unstintingly, and often through all kinds of extreme weather conditions, to raise the fantastic funds, which will now allow the plans for the Centre to become a reality.

This year so far has been extraordinary, with a variety of innovative and fabulous events throughout the County adding substantially to the Merlin funds, organised by our loyal supporters as well as some new ones, all very much valued and appreciated. There have also been a number of large and well attended fundraising functions, as the exciting Art Auction conducted by Philip Buddell in April, which raised a fantastic £9,000; the Merlin's Magic Day at Caerhays Castle which brought 1500 visitors to the event raising the huge amount of £10,000 and the spectacular result from the Saints Way walk arranged by Sally-Jane Coode, which has to date... brought in funds of  £49,000 !   Merlin is certainly able to continue going from strength to strength with the wonderful generosity and commitment of the people in Cornwall.

However although we have now raised an incredible £1.5 million, which will allow building to proceed on Phase 1 as well, thankfully, as the shell of Phase 2, continuing fundraising will still be of paramount importance, in order to complete Phase 2, and to sustain the future running costs of the Centre.    Together we can do it!