A BOLTON man's dream turned to reality yesterday when a unique centre for patients recovering from brain and spinal injuries was opened.

As reported in Thursday night's BEN, Northern Ireland Secretary Dr Mo Mowlem, who has herself recovered from brain surgery, was forced to pull out of the opening of the Brain and Spinal Injuries Charity centre at the 11th hour because of the fresh troubles in Northern Ireland.

The charit's new home is the former Ladywell Community Centre, a short distance from Hope Hospital.

The building was bought by BASIC in March last year and has been transformed into a modern, multi-use centre.

Bolton man Derek Gaskell founded the charity, known as BASIC, after his wife Dorothy suffered a a brain haemorrhage in the 1970s.

He said Dr Mowlem's absence was a disappointing, though not wholly unexpected.

Since forming the charity in 1986, Mr Gaskell, a former builder who lives in Lostock, has overcome every kind of obstacle imaginable.

He has chartered Concorde, the QE2 and the Orient Express in efforts to raise cash.

In its first year, the charity raised £2,000, but over the years it has gone from strength-to-strength.

Yesterday, Mr Gaskell saw the realisation of his dream - the opening of a drop-in centre for patients and their families.

It boasts conference facilities, an extensive information library and resource centre and meeting room.

BASIC is affiliated to the Greater Manchester Neurosciences Centre at Hope Hospital.

Mr Gaskell and a support team have worked tirelessly to help people rebuild their lives after brain tumours, brain haemorrhages, or spinal injuries.

There is a sensory room, meeting facilities and training room as well as a main hall for meetings and conferences.

Massage

Patients can book in for a foot spa and aromatherapy massage, attend relaxation and stress management courses or volunteer their services within the centre.

Funding has been provided by the charity, National Lottery grants and numerous companies.

Centre manager Wendy Edge, said: "This centre is a dream come true.

"Five years ago we didn't even have an office.

"We now have excellent facilities to support people recovering from brain injury. We are extremely grateful to our supporters without who we could not have achieved this."

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