When I grow old I will wear Purple

Polio is a paralyzing and potentially deadly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under the age of 5. The virus spreads from person to person, typically through contaminated water. It can then attack the nervous system. There is no cure, but there is a safe and effective vaccine.

Since 1988 it is estimated that Rotary and its partners have helped to immunize 2.5 billion children in 120 countries and reduced the number of cases of polio by 99.9%. This has been a multiyear project in Rotary International since 1979 aiming to send Polio into the history books. It is now only endemic in Pakistan and Afghanistan, however we cannot be complacent, witness the recent outbreak in Gaza.

To prevent illness and disability has always been high on my agenda and it is salutary to remember that in my childhood Polio was not uncommon in UK.

So, on 16th October 2024, I plan to step miles out of my comfort zone and have my hair dyed Purple, reflecting the gentian violet painted on the children’s “Pinky” finger when they are immunized. The good people of Keith Hall Arnold are happy to carry out the transformation which will be fully revealed at our Purple Celebration at Chung’s, Mapperley on 17th October.

Will you sponsor me?

£10 gift aided becomes £12.50 and the Gates Foundation add 200% to any money raised by Rotary for Polio Plus.

````£10 becomes £37.50.

````£20 becomes £75.00 and so on.

You really can make a difference