It was in the Autumn of 1994 that the Martha Trust started to raise money for the Home in Hereford. It was not an easy task to get the £1.25 million that was necessary to buy the land, build the specially designed Nursing Home and equip it with all the specialised aids necessary when you are looking after such dependent and needy patients. However, with great support from grant-making trusts, a wonderful local fundraising committee, led by Linda Hone, and a huge amount of determination we managed to hit our target amount. There were several months during which the grants came in and went out the very next day as stage payments to the building contractors, it all added to the sense of pride when we were handed over the keys to an empty Nursing Home just before Christmas 1996.

It was 2 months before then that the really hard work started. We had to recruit a large number of nurses, care assistants, cooks, administration staff, cleaners and therapy specialists. Everyone had to be trained and the whole organisation of the Home then had to pass a rigorous examination by the Health Authority. Only then could we accept our first patients.

Local parents who had heard about this wonderful new home had also been busy. They had been working their way through the often difficult process of seeking funding for their handicapped child to come and use the Nursing Home. Some were successful, some disappointed, but all along we worked with them and the local authorities to help them achieve their goal - a place that allowed them to rest, happy that their child was being given the best possible care.

All in all Martha is a fantastic experience and a wonderful achievement for all those who have so generously given their time and funds. Indeed without our friends in the community at large none of this would have been possible, so from the bottom of my heart can I thank you on behalf of our handicapped young people and their families for all that you have done and given.

As to the future, we are investigating the possibilities of enhancing our facilities in Herefordshire. One thing is certain, there are many thousands of families, single parents, foster parents and carers who wish they were lucky enough to have a Home like ours on their own doorstep - somewhere where their children can be safe for the rest of their lives.

Richard Smith - Chairman of the Trustees