Combating Polio - Crocus planting by Formby Rotary Club

Polio is a fearful disease and used to cause havoc across the world, including here in Britain (indeed there are still many disabled survivors around).

A sustained campaign by Rotary Worldwide in conjunction with the Bill Gates Foundation has almost, but not quite, eradicated polio throughout the world. There is still the occasional outbreak in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The problem for us all is that, if it is not eradicated completely it will spread and take hold again. We still need to fund this final push.

Rotary Clubs across the world support this and Formby Rotary make a contribution direct from our charity fund each year, but also organise crocus planting events each Autumn. The crocuses are purple - the campaign colour of Polio Plus and their emergence each Spring is intended to remind people of the importance of this campaign.

This year crocus corms are being distributed in October and some are being planted by Formby Rotary around the Library. Our picture shows club members just as they finish planting. Packets of corms are also being made available for individuals to plant for themselves at home.

Anyone wishing to support this cause financially can do so online by visiting our website. Search Rotary Club of Formby and following the link to Polio Plus.