Meriel rewarded for charity work
AN AUTHOR and retired solicitor has been named as Cure Parkinson’s Fund-raiser of the Year.
Meriel Buxton has led the Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland Committee of the charity since it was founded in 2012.
It was set up shortly after Meriel’s brother, Gavin Cowen, who lived with Parkinson’s, died.
Meriel and Gavin’s wife, Toots Cowen, who is also living with Parkinson’s, felt they wanted to do something to help.
Overs the years, Meriel and the committee have raised about £350,000 for Cure Parkinson’s.
Last year, as events had to be cancelled, the charity said Meriel remained determined to continue raising money and awareness and “worked incredibly hard to create alternate events which could go ahead in the new virtual and socially-distanced world”.
A special glossy magazine, Cabbages and Kings, featured articles from a range of fantastic writers including Terry Waite and Cure Parkinson’s patrons Paul MayhewArcher and Joanna Trollope.
It raised just under £14,000. Later in the year, Meriel led the committee in organising a virtual Christmas Market, featuring more than 120 items from Christmas trees and puddings to a week in a countryside cottage and a canoeing adventure. The market raised more than £16,000.
Cure Parkinson’s chief executive Will Cook said: “We are delighted Meriel has continued to support
Cure Parkinson’s for so many years, and particularly grateful for her incredible efforts in 2020.
“She has worked hard to galvanise her networks and has always rewarded all her fellow supporters.
“It speaks volumes about Meriel that she insists this is a team effort, and our sincere thanks go to the committee who dedicate so much time to supporting the cause.”
Meriel said: “The main highlights for both these projects were the amazing generosity of friends and strangers alike. All the committee have been great throughout.
“There were inevitably a few problems, particularly when restrictions became tighter just before Christmas.
“There is still a Christmas cake marooned in Hampshire, but thankfully that was bought by my son who will happily eat Christmas cake at Easter or August bank holiday.”