This year marks the 85th year since the British Polio Fellowship formed to support those living with the devastating effects of polio.

The British Polio Fellowship, then called The Infantile Paralysis Fellowship, was founded on 29 January 1939 by Patricia Carey, who had contracted polio aged eight, and Frederic Morena, who had contracted the disease at the age of 42, as a self-help and mutual aid society for those affected by polio. They called a meeting in January 1938 at Bloomsbury, London which was attended by 30 people and which acted as the foundation of the organisation being formed the following year. The first issue of the charity’s newsletter was published in April 1939.

85 years later and the charity still produce a quarterly news letter (now a magazine) as well as providing a number of services to support and empower all those living with polio in the UK.

We provide grants, medical and welfare advice and support, community groups and much more to provide a full package of care and support for polio survivors.

In our 85th year we are asking all our members and supporters to come together and celebrate by holding their own fundraising event be it a party, challenge or other event. For those who are unable to take part donating to our birthday campaign will make a big difference allowing us to continue our vital work for many years to come.

We will be celebrating this birthday throughout 2024 with various events and appeals. We hope that as many of our supporters as possible will help make this anniversary an extra special one and we will update this page with our progress as the year continues.