Scope celebrates its 50th birthday

12.00.00am GMT Tue 12th Nov 2002

Scope (the cerebral palsy charity) celebrates its 50th birthday at the Twickenham shop, with Vincent Cable and the Mayor, jointly cutting the cake.

Formally the Spastics Society, the charity was established half a century ago and now has over 300 shops, raises around £70m a year and is one of the country's most successful disability charities.

Vincent Cable said that "for brain disorders like cerebral palsy, which often means a lifetime of care at home or in homes, the NHS cannot provide solutions or adequate funding; nor can families cope on their own."

"It is the charity and its volunteers with their single minded dedication who can ensure that those suffering the illness and their carers lead a dignified life and that public services are mobilised to help".

He praised volunteers who have served the charity in Twickenham: "their service is absolutely indispensable. To keep charity funding going for 50 years is a remarkable achievement".