Didim Help-in-Hands members would like to express their thanks to everyone for their generosity to the organisation, whether donating clothes, knitting jumpers, organising quizzes, helping with the auctions, or selling clothes.

The organisation’s Lynn Cole said: “It all goes to prove that we really do have an amazing community here in Didim. All of this has enabled us, on your behalf, to make a difference to people’s lives.”

Şebnem Öz Tazel (right), of Didim Kent Konseyi with local Muhtars with the food vouchers

She said that they identified a number of the most needy families in Didim, and to help them celebrate their New Year, Help-in-Hands bought 60 food vouchers. With the help of the local Muhtars and Didim Kent Konseyi, they distributed them throughout the town.

She added: “We also purchased a new wheelchair and helped another couple of families with their expenses, lent out wheelchairs and walking frames, and the usual everyday things we do.”

Just before Christmas H-i-H was fortunate enough to meet a gentleman called Jimmy who has a long history of working with disabled, autistic and vulnerable people through his sports project Pickaball.

Lynn said: “We had further meetings with members of the Council, the Director of the Disabled Association the head of the Rehabilitation Centre and later Cumhuriyet School, as Cumhuriyet has a greater number of autistic children than other mainstream schools.

“The Director said they had a suitable room that could be used as a gym. However it would need to be painted and most importantly, to protect the children, the walls would need to be cushioned and soft flooring installed. We proceeded to get the costings and the refurbishment is now well underway.

Jimmy with his award at the presentation ceremony

“Jimmy had to delay his return to Didim as he was shortlisted for the final of the County Kent Tennis Award Presentation.

“On February 7, he attended the presentation and won the most prestigious honour recognising Jimmy and his charity “Open for All” for a lifetime achievement and significant, long-term contribution to sport.

“Jimmy has kindly offered to work in a purely voluntary capacity with the school, rehabilitation centre and the disabled centre and we are so grateful to him for agreeing to share is wealth of experience.

“The programme is now well underway and hopefully Jimmy will start his “work” soon.”

Lynn concluded: “Without the help of our community, none of these things would happen. So once again, thank you all for your continued support. Together we can make a difference.”