Vital Link No. 70 Winter 2017 | Page 5

Tributes Sadly, we report the deaths and pay tribute to the lives of three unique, and very much-loved supporters of the work. Celia Nicholson shared the values and believed strongly in the vision of Through the Roof, and we are hugely grateful for her faithful service as a trustee and advocate since the early years of the charity. Celia had such a gentle spirit, and a great love for all people. Her Christ-like kindness, warmth and compassion were clearly evident and she enriched the lives of all who met her. We’re thankful that part of the retiring collection from the Service of Thanksgiving to God for her life will benefit TTR. Her son, Simon, has also set up a donation page for those wishing to give in her memory: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/inmemoryofcelia-ttr. Malc – husband to Glenda Pike, our Wheels for the World Co-ordinator for many years, died suddenly the day after he’d finished bringing in the harvest. We are hugely grateful to Malcolm’s quiet but unswerving support of Glenda, and his willing loan to the charity of his barns, where our wheelchairs were stored (in-between harvests) prior to being sent to Parkhurst for refurbishment and then on their return before shipping overseas. Please do pray for Glenda and the family. DCF Group Leader, holiday helper, carer to disabled children, and avid Wheels supporter, Joyce Fox, also passed away this summer having lived her life dedicated to serving others, especially people with disabilities. Her Thanksgiving service was an uplifting occasion and was so appropriate in acknowledging Joyce’s life. We’re so grateful to the Fox family for nominating Through the Roof to benefit from her estate left to charitable purposes in her will. In life she helped hundreds of people, and in death hundreds more around the world will benefit from her kindness. Give thanks for Joyce’s life and that she is now with her Lord and Saviour. Please contact us to discuss how to leave a legacy that can further the work and be a blessing to disabled people. New Friends in Bristol The New Bristol Horfield DCF Group By Alice Langtree, Trustee and Group member We had a wonderful party to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Through the Roof and launch the new Bristol TTR group. 24 of us enjoyed singing praise to God, hearing the vision for the group, sharing ideas, and praying for God’s wisdom to inform our discussions. We made new friends, laughed and chatted before tucking into a magnificent tea accompanied by a tasty piece of celebration cake! Sharing time and cake in Bristol If you’d like to hold your own 20th anniversary celebration (perhaps you’re looking for an excuse for a tasty piece of celebration cake?) then please contact us on 01372 749955 – we have packs ready to send out. ONE in Worship Tim Wood and Ros Bayes had a great time working at the ONE Event in Lincoln. Over five days, they spoke to over 400 people about Through the Roof – introducing our message of inclusion to many new attendees. Our new guide to welcoming autistic young people, ‘A Welcoming Place’, proved particularly popular. Ros joined in worship with the Prospects group during the weekend and found it really inspiring, with heartfelt sung worship; Hanging out the bunting at the ONE event Bible truths being presented through puppets; handicrafts; and clear teaching. It was thrilling to hear people with learning disabilities sharing what Jesus means to them, and praying for one another and for those leading their group. If you’re interested in finding out about ‘A Welcoming Place’, it’s available now from www.throughtheroof.org for £5. www.throughtheroof.org