Service in the footsteps of Lady Sue

For relief of suffering: Rachel McKay with David Searl's life membership, Trish Twaits, Ballarat Ryder-Cheshire Support Group president Dianne McGrath, and Carolyn Byrnes with Robert Brookes' life membership. Photos: SUPPLIED

MEMBERS and friends of service organisation, the Ballarat Ryder-Cheshire Support Group, gathered last weekend to recognise the legacy of the late Lady Sue Ryder of Warsaw.

At an afternoon tea on Sunday at Craig’s Royal Hotel, the humanitarian was celebrated on the 100th anniversary of her birth, and the Ballarat group honoured three members with honourary life memberships.

“Sue Ryder became a household name in the UK in the 1950s thanks to the homes she founded and the help she gave to the survivors of the concentration camps, the disabled and anyone in need of long-term care,” said Ballarat Ryder-Cheshire Support Group president Dianne McGrath. “Her story involves so much more; service with the Polish Section of the SOE in World War Two, prison visiting in Germany in the immediate post-war years, long haul relief work in countries all around the world, and a life driven by a commitment to care for those in need.

Members enjoyed an afternoon tea at Craig’s Royal Hotel to honour Sue Ryder’s legacy.

“Honourary life members Trish Twaits, Robert Brookes and David Searl’s…work for the relief of suffering without discrimination is exemplary and is indicative of the work of Sue Ryder’s legacy.”

Following in Ms Ryder’s footsteps, branches of Ryder-Cheshire Australia, including Ballarat’s, work to relieve suffering without discrimination, and support two overseas homes; Raphael in India and Klibur Domin in Timor-Leste.

Raphael was established in 1959 by Ms Ryder and her husband, Leonard Cheshire, while Klibur Domin is about 24 years old.

Ms Twaits, Mr Brookes and Mr Searl have each volunteered at Raphael, while Mr Searl has also given his time to Klibur Domin. “Money is raised by Ryder-Cheshire members and sponsors, and volunteers mostly from Australia and New Zealand give their time, commitment and expertise to volunteer at the homes to assist their programs ‘for the relief of suffering’,’ Ms McGrath said.

Some Ryder-Cheshire members, volunteers and supporters travelled from Bendigo, Melbourne, and Geelong to attend the afternoon tea.

The Ballarat Ryder-Cheshire Support Group welcomes new members, volunteers and sponsors. Visit ryder-cheshire.org for more information.