A rehabilitation centre for individuals with chronic disabilities was set up in Mansehra by an internationally famous disability organisation, but they withdrew their financial support in October 2009. The centre supports people of all ages with a variety of disabilities including musculoskeletal problems, blindness and deafness. As well as providing aids to help with their specific problems, the centre plays an important role in helping disabled children back into local schools and teaching skills which lead to employment.

The withdrawal of funds left the centre effectively destitute with no possiblity of paying staff or continuing work with their patients.

IDEALS was informed of this and accepted responsibility to try to find alternative sources of funding. The situation was saved by a very generous donation from a UK based donor, which covered the expenses for six months. In addition a group of ladies in Glasgow made a substantial donation after a fund raising lunch. Both of these donations came from contacts with Dr Andy Ferguson and we will honour this generosity by trying to raise further funds to keep this centre active for as long as possible.