A DORSET MP has joined forces with a local artist to show support for a charity campaign.

Michael Tomlinson, who represents Mid Dorset and North Poole, has become a patron of the £1m Splash Appeal, which is being run by disability charity Diverse Abilities to provide a specialist therapy pool for the adults it supports throughout the county.

Artist Henrietta Young, who volunteers on the appeal panel, is also doing her bit by organising an art exhibition where some of the material being auctioned will be her own portraits of adults who visit The Beehive, the charity's activity centre which has recently undergone a £735,000 transformation and will be the home of the new pool.

The Beehive, in Poole, supports up to 50 adults, enabling them to enjoy life enriching activities, therapy, access to skills and educational opportunities, plus opportunities in the community. People who attend The Beehive have conditions including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, Moya-Moya Syndrome, chromosomal disorders, undiagnosed syndromes and profound and multiple learning disabilities.

Michael Tomlinson said: “I was delighted to visit Diverse Abilities and formally take on the role of patron of the Splash Appeal. It was wonderful to see the site at The Beehive and hear about the potential benefits that this will bring to the community right across Dorset. "I look forward to working closely with and supporting Diverse Abilities and spreading the word about their good work!”

There are a range of benefits of a therapy pool for adults with disabilities, including reducing pain, relieving muscle spasms, improving mobility, psychological well-being and achieving the freedom of movement that cannot be achieved on land. It can also provide physiotherapy opportunities such as straightening of the spine while floating or beneficial chest physiotherapy in the water, plus it has the potential to prolong life.

To build the pool, Diverse Abilities needs to raise £1million. By supporting the project or making a donation, you will be helping to transform the lives of many adults with disabilities in Dorset.

For further information visit diverseabilities.org.uk/splash