Page 6 Pat Focuses on Charities
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the charities you support, and more importantly what happens to the money you donate? Well we are about to fi nd out!
DEBRA Spain (known as the Butterfl y Children Charity)
Epydermolysis Bullosa (EB), which starts at birth, is an incurable and serious genetic condition where the skin can break at the slightest touch, causing open painful blisters. The only treatment for the condition is to dress the wounds with special bandages which depending on where you live, can be free, or cost up to 2000€ per month. There are almost 1000 EB sufferers in Spain alone (5000 in the UK) and 10 more babies were born in Spain in 2014 with EB. October 25th is international EB day, and although the condition isn’t widely known, it is estimated that one in every 227 people is unknowingly a carrier of the defective gene.
DEBRA Spain is dedicated to improving the quality of life of children with EB. They have 10 charity shops in Spain including 2
locally in Pueblo Bravo Quesada and La Marina. All monies raised in the shops and through fund raising activities helps to pay for 4 full time nurses, a psychologist and a social worker who either visits families in their home or at the respite home in Marbella, money also goes towards the cost of the expensive bandages. DEBRA do not receive any government funding. Last August, DEBRA Spain were honoured to attend an audience with the new Queen Letizia, where they were able to explain and discuss the needs of people suffering with EB. Queen Letizia is the Ambassador of Rare Diseases and she said it was her desire to continue helping in this area. The event was covered by the national media which created invaluable awareness of EB. Earlier in 2014, Ryanair (yes, you read that right) presented DEBRA Spain with a cheque for 10,000€ for their respite home, after being chosen as one of their scratch card charities. Fund raising events are very important in helping to keep the charity running, already organised for 2015 are
a Quiz Night in February in La Marina, and the Charity Ball on September 25th, details can be found on their website
www.debra.es. A team of 55 volunteers help Anne and Mary run the Pueblo Bravo and La Marina shops, which are open 6 days a week, but they are always looking for more volunteers. If you are interested in helping out in any way, you can contact Anne in Pueblo Bravo on 966 718 134 or Mary in La Marina on 616 076 072.
Update on last months visit to S.A.T. – my little friend Pati is having treatment on her injured hip and when that is fi nished she has a new home to go to, great news!!
If you would like me to visit your charity please contact me via the QF Focus offi ce. The contact details are on page 4.
QF Focus Magazine
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