End Polio - The Iron Lung Display

Spread the word about Rotary involvement in Ending Polio with this innovative display.


If you want to attract people to your Rotary stand at any event, and promote Rotary’s End polio campaign, why not show them an Iron Lung of the sort that was used in the fight against polio.

The Rotary Club of Thornbury has purchased an Iron Lung, using a grant from District 1100, which is provided as a mobile exhibit, and which has been displayed at local events. The display is now being offered to all clubs in District 1100 to support their own events, for a small charge.

World Polio Day is on 24th October and RC Thornbury is taking bookings for the Iron Lung Display from Clubs, although it  has already been booked for 24th! The Iron Lung will be shown in 2019 at the District Conference in Torquay, and it is hoped to show it at The Gables in Falfield before then.

For further details of this innovative display contact Ben Bradley on International@thornburyrotary.org .

What was the significance of the Iron Lung?

Back in the 1940s, 50s and 60s, when polio was at its height, it resulted in the crippling of limbs and muscles, but worse was the attack on internal organs with paralysis. The only way to breathe was in an iron lung which provided negative pressure in a steel drum in which many spent their entire (usually short) lives. Subsequently polio sufferers would have had a hole made in their windpipes, with a tube fixed to a ventilator pump.  So the iron lung is a stark reminder of the terrible effects of polio and why it must be eradicated globally.  Although recently there have only been a few cases of polio reported annually, the "wild virus" could still pose a threat of polio returning.

back to page above this...

District Public Image

back 2021/22

'What We Do' Main Pages:

EnviRecover, creating energy from waste

more  

Looking forward to a year of prosperity ahead

more  

No child's future should be limited Home-Start Herefordshire brings us up to date

more  

Where all young people and children have the chance to dance!

more  

Our sponsored football team is aiming for the top of the league!

more  

HCRC presents recumbent tricycle to brain injury survivors in Hereford

more  

A message from the children of African Adventures

more  

What a fabulous festive feast!

more  

Every Hereford FC Fan's Dream

more  

An entertaining, lively and informative evening with students from the Hereford Sixth Form Debating Society

more  

Members met for a night of tenpin rivalry, great food & fun!

more  

Celebrating a magnificent year of Duck Race fundraising and friendship

more  

Supplying generators to help families keep warm during this winter in Ukraine

more  

Members enjoyed a recycling masterclass at Envirosort Worcester

more  

Exploring The Rolls of Monmouth Estate, History, Tour & Afternoon Tea

more  

Midlands Air Ambulance Community Hub is a Hit with Locals

more  

Sainsbury's shoppers show their generosity and kindness

more  

Local children’s charity thanks volunteers, funders, and supporters and welcomes the High Sheriff of Herefordshire to a Garden Tea Party

more  

Celebrating a World War II Hero in Herefordshire

more  
St Thomas Cantilupe Students

St Thomas Cantilupe Students Receive Rotary Certificates of Achievement

more  
Global Sight Solutions

How Global Sight Solutions are restoring the sight of people in poverty from all around the world

more  
President's Dinner 2023

A celebration of achievements, success and hard work, handing over to new President John Taylor

more  

Our members took a visit to Herefordshire's jewel in the historical crown, Eastnor Castle

more  

A fantastic £936.06 raised at Hope Scott House fundraising night

more  
Pahar Trust

Pupils and staff in a primary school in Nepal are delighted with the earthquake-resilient school that we've helped to provide

more  
The provision of books is vital for these children's education

Support for library helps children's only access to a literary education

more  
Club president Kevin Basden and Mary Watkins model some of the creations of the Isoko Women’s Cooperative.

Mary Watkins visited the club to deliver an update on how our support is benefiting the African country

more  

Read about our fundraising achievements from past years

more