Lions donation inspired by former victim’s experiences
Highworth Lions vice-president Melanie Davenport with Bobby Van operative Doug Batchelor
THE memory of the help she received from the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust 12 years ago prompted Highworth Lions vice-president Melanie Davenport to support the charity’s work.
The Lions donated £500 from the proceeds of fundraising events and income from its charity shop in Highworth to the Bobby Van, which helps keep older and vulnerable people and those suffering domestic abuse safe in their homes.
Melanie, who is also the Lions’ secretary, remembers the help the Bobby Van gave her when she was left frightened and anxious by an abusive ex-partner. “He broke into my house when me and my child were in the house,” she said. “I remember the Bobby Van came out and gave us extra locks on the top and bottom of the door to try and keep him out of the house and obviously I found that invaluable.”
She was invited to go out with Bobby Van operative Doug Batchelor for the day as a thank you for the donation and jumped at the chance. She accompanied him on his visits to burglary victims and watched as he made their homes safe.
“Obviously I remembered a bit about what the charity does from when they helped me but it has come along so much,” she said. “It was fascinating to see all of the different things he was able to offer to make people feel safer. It was brilliant to be with him and he came across as so knowledgeable and was really patient.
“I could tell that one lady was extremely paranoid because of what had happened and Doug was so good with her. It was lovely to see him trying to put people's minds at rest and make them feel secure. It's just that nice interaction that they'll remember.”
The Lions have donated more than £32,000 this year from fundraising events and its Highworth Lions Charity Shop in Newburgh Place. “Anyone can apply to us for funding and we help anyone in need, whether that’s vulnerable people, children, or people with disabilities,” said Melanie. “We were happy to donate to the Bobby Van and I’m sure we’ll support it again.”
Bobby Van Director Jennie Shaw said: “We are deeply grateful to Highworth Lions for this support. Donations like this are invaluable to us because our service is completely free and we need to raise more than £300,000 a year just to maintain our service at a time when demand is growing.
“We do this through a varied calendar of events for everyone, such as charity fairs, open gardens and pre-loved clothes sales. Follow us on Facebook or check our website to find out when and where they are.”