To mark World Polio Day on 24 October, volunteers planted 500 crocus corms at Sebastian's Action Trust's new Woodlands facility in Crowthorne. Their back breaking work is expected to create a spectacular purple display in the Spring. 

The crocus is the central symbol of Rotary’s worldwide campaign to eradicate polio, with the purple representing the dye used to mark the finger of a child who has been immunised against the disease.

Since 1985, Rotary has contributed nearly £1 billion and countless volunteer hours to the protection of more than two billion children in 122 countries. The disease remains endemic in three countries -- Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan -- although other countries remain at risk for imported cases.

A highly infectious disease, polio causes paralysis and is sometimes fatal. As there is no cure, the best protection is prevention. For as little as 46p worth of vaccine, a child can be protected against this crippling disease for life. After the successful engagement of over 200 countries and 20 million volunteers, polio could be the first human disease of the 21st century to be eradicated.

Woodlands in Crowthorne, our President’s chosen charity for the year 2018/19, supports families of seriously-ill children from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond by listening and responding to their unmet needs, by providing emotional, social and practical support for children with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses and their families. Support includes respites provided at the Trust’s purpose-built facility holiday facility.

Crocuses were also planted at Oaklands School in Crowthorne.