When a special rehabilitation and neurological unit becomes reality at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in the near future it will mark the end of a 12-year dream for Bermuda Stroke and Family Support Association founder and chairman Mark Selley.

Part of the long struggle to reach this goal has been funding. So when Marilyn Steede approached him last year about her proposal to walk for 24 hours as a fund-raiser, the Association was only too pleased to support her wholeheartedly. In fact, the lone walker raised a cool $30,000 ? an impressive feat by anyone?s standards.

Then, last Christmas eve Mr. Selley learned that the Patrick Campbell Trust was donating $500,000 towards establishment of the unit. Subsequently, the Lady Cubitt Compassionate Association (LCCA) also made a generous donation.

?A rough estimate of the cost of setting up the unit and training the staff is approximately $1.2 million, so we are well on our way, and have enough to get started,? Mr. Selley says.

Since donations connected to pledge forms need to be returned by the end of April in relation to Ms Steede?s fund-raising walk last weekend, the Association will not know until May how much she has raised, but the total is expected to be substantial. Meanwhile, other donations are welcomed at all times.

Outlining the purpose and plans for the new unit, which will be housed in the hospital?s present Perry Ward, Mr. Selley says ?it will primarily be a rehabilitation ward for people with neurological impairment?.

?We will primarily deal with stroke and head injuries, and spinal cord injuries, but when beds are available, other areas needing therapy will be looked at,? he says. ?We want to keep the beds full. Hopefully, it will also be our function to provide important rehabilitation for some of the seniors who are housed in King Edward?s Continuing Care Unit, as well as, when possible, going out into the community and providing home therapy for people who cannot get to the hospital. In other words, we are going to keep our crew busy.?

Mr. Selley stresses that initially the BSFSA will be responsible for putting in place a pilot programme, after which the Hospital Board will fulfil its long-standing promise to take over running the unit once the start-up costs have been met.

?In light of this, it has been my dream for almost 12 years because it affords the best chance for those least able to pay to have a chance to recover from the trauma of stroke,? he says. ?Those with appropriate insurance can go abroad, albeit for a limited time, but those with limited or no insurance are left to struggle.?

Already, one major insurance company has indicated it will assist with covering the cost of treatment in the new unit, and Mr. Selley is optimistic that others will follow.

The chairman also reveals that the Association hopes to renew its affiliation with the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and its rehabilitation programme, with a view to a reciprocal training and staffing plan.

?Massachusetts General is one of the biggest hospitals in the US, and incorporating its expertise and experience into training and staffing the new unit can only enhance the services which King Edward can provide to the community, and its reputation,? he says.

Meanwhile, the Association is looking forward to establishing an excellent working relationship with the new Hospital Board and its chairman, Jonathan Brewin.