Fundraising walker is special guest

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A SOUTH Tyneside speech therapy class welcomed a special guest to their annual dinner.

Mariane Halligan, from Mortimer Road, South Shields, was guest of honour at the South Tyneside Speech After Stroke Club's yearly bash.

Ms Halligan raised ?900 for the group by completing an 84-mile coast to coast walk, from Solway Firth in Cumbria to Wallsend in North Tyneside, on her own.

The postwoman was delighted when she got the invitation for the meal at The Sea Hotel, Sea Road, South Shields.

She said: "Doing the walk was a tough challenge, but something I really enjoyed completing, especially as I was raising money for such a good cause.

"I wasn't expecting to be invited to the dinner, so it was lovely when I got the call.

"It was a fabulous afternoon, and I had a lovely time. The dinner was gorgeous, and it was lovely to meet those involved with the club.

"It was a humbling experience meeting people who struggle with things that most people take for granted. It certainly has made me think twice about moaning about trivial things."

Ms Halligan chose to raise funds for the club after hearing of the work they do from a colleague at South Shields Post Office, whose parents attend the group.

Secretary Pat Thompson said: "We really appreciate the fundraising efforts of Mariane.

"We are a small charity, helping people who have suffered from strokes, and one of our main expenses is covering the safe transportation of our members from their homes to group meetings.

"Fundraising is very important for us, and so we are always grateful to Mariane and others who help us."

The group meets every Thursday between 10.30am and 2pm at St Mary's Court, South Eldon Street, South Shields, for people who have language difficulties and need one to one support.

It meets at Chuter Ede Community Centre, Galsworthy Road, South Shields, between 1pm and 3.30pm every Thursday, for people with milder speech difficulties.