An Abbots Langley charity attended a reception at 10 Downing Street on Tuesday, by invitation from the Prime Minister’s wife.

Samantha Cameron became aware of DEMAND, Design and Manufacture for Disability, in 2008 when she and David required a bespoke over-bath drying table for their son Ivan. 

Gary Evans, CEO of DEMAND, said the reception was an opportunity "to thank long standing supporters as well as engage with potential new supporters" and "celebrate what we have achieved and what we are becoming".

Among the 100 or so attending were patron and long-term DEMAND supporter Esther Rantzen, Kingsley Napley’s Alison Moore and Eric Morgan, Trustee from The Reece Foundation.

Beginning with a talk by Samantha Cameron, guests were later shown a short film featuring DEMAND’s design work to aid 5-year-old Rio Woolf.

DEMAND have made a leg support to aid Rio’s prosthetic leg when sitting down at home and school and have also helped Rio’s bath time by making a bespoke set of bath steps. Rio also made a personal appearance at the reception.

Mr Evans took the opportunity to say a few words of thanks and explain how the funding DEMAND receives helps those in need.

Founded in 1980 at the London School of Furniture, DEMAND aims to solve day to day challenges and frustrations of thousands of people affected by disability. The charity relies heavily on its donors, many of whom are longstanding supporters.

Mr Evans said: "We couldn’t cut a piece of metal or a piece of wood without donations. Every job is, in reality, a mini research and development project, which not only benefits the individual and their immediate family, but often the wider community also."

All DEMAND’s clients have benefited from equipment designed, made, modified or refurbished at the charity’s two sites in the UK and every year DEMAND needs to raise approximately £850,000 to continue its charitable work. This is achieved with the support of donors either through giving or fundraising events. Supporters have run miles, walked through the night along the Thames, or braved the London marathon to help raise funds for DEMAND.