Sandra proves she really has a heart of corn

THERE are numerous examples in the community of people who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for their favourite charity many of whom have gone about their business with hardly a mention.

Their satisfaction comes with seeing the fruits of their labour put in to research or bringing some comfort to those whose lives have been transformed by illness.

A shining example of someone with a heart of corn and a humbling approach to her fund-raising is Sandra Moore who has just published her third book of light-hearted rhymes – the proceeds of which have been donated to the Causeway Coast branch of Parkinson’s Disease.

Last Wednesday night, a cheque for £2,800 was presented to the chair of the Causeway branch, Ethna Watterson MBE at a meeting of the branch in the Robinson Hospital, Ballymoney – an amount made up of the sale of the book ‘Give us a Smile’ and knitwear produced by Sandra.

Sandra’s third book ‘Take a Little Time’ was launched at the meeting and it too should give the coffers of the branch a healthy boost in the near future.

The Ahoghill lady’s first publication ‘Thoughts and Memories’ raised £2000 and with the second getting £800 more, Sandra is hoping that she will see a further increase with her third effort.

Sandra was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in January 1999 and ever since has had to adapt to a new lifestyle.

She has, however, always displayed a positive attitude to life and has persisted in the belief that that is half the battle. She types when she can to compose some excellent poems and her work gives ample proof of her artistic qualities.

Sandra has become a valued member of the Causeway Coast branch and thoroughly enjoys attending the meetings where she has always been given a warm and loving welcome.

“I feel the meetings are highly beneficial and I regard them as a night of fun and information.

“I just want to give something back to the organisation. I write and knit which could be any time of day or night depending on my condition,” Sandra told the Times.

Mrs. Watterson, a founder member, whose husband had the illness for some 27 years, was delighted with the amount presented and said it would be put to good use at a branch where membership had shown a steady increase.