The co-founder of a Chester-based charity which has just completed its 40th year has hailed it a ‘miracle’ and thanked all those who have helped along the way.
Save the Family will hold a thanksgiving service at Chester Cathedral to celebrate the milestone on Thursday (January 7).
The charity was founded by husband and wife duo George and Edna Speed in 1976 to support vulnerable families who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes.
Since then it has provided residential accommodation and support for thousands, encouraging them to increase their independence and grow in confidence to be able to integrate successfully back into the community.
Supporting families has been a 'privilege'
Edna said: “I think it is a miracle that Save the Family has travelled on for 40 years in spite of great difficulties and the rocky road that we have walked.
“We have had the privilege of supporting thousands of families and giving children the chance of a normal childhood with their natural parents.
“There is a sense of achievement.
“We have encountered opposition, we have been misread but nevertheless once you have seen these children and these parents, you cannot fail to love them so nothing deters you from helping.
“If as a charity we had not found a way forward, we would have failed these families.”
Edna said the special ticket-only event at the cathedral will be a reunion as well as an opportunity to give thanks to all the ‘wonderful’ people who have travelled the road with them.
She added that it will also honour George, who sadly passed away in 2012.
“Without his clever strategies and hand to the plough it would never have been founded,” Edna said.
“The charity owes so much to him.
“Right up until the end of his life, he was still so involved.
“He never hung up his climbing boots for the charity.”
Former leader of the Conservative Party and current Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Iain Duncan Smith will be the guest speaker.
Music will be led by Graham Kendrick in conjunction with the Chester Cathedral Nave Choir.
