Jesse Norman and Francis Maude Visit Martha Trust

Conservative Party Chairman Francis Maude MP joined Jesse Norman, the candidate for South Herefordshire, on a visit on Tuesday to mark the 10th anniversary of the Martha Trust. They were shown round by Richard and Sarah Smith, the founding trustees.

The Martha Trust provides lifelong and respite care for young people with profound intellectual and physical disabilities. Richard and Sarah set it up at a time when their second daughter Sophie, who is very handicapped, was just four years old. They were determined not only to provide the right care for their daughter, whatever her future needs may be, but also to help other families in similar situations.

The trust's residents range in age from school years to late 40s. All are completely dependent on others for their every need and they are given constant loving attention by the nursing staff and carers, allowing and encouraging them to develop to their full potential.
"It's an extraordinary place," commented Jesse after the visit. "An incredibly loving environment, and a real model of private energy providing a service for the wider public."