Brenda Hadfield, founder of Partners Through Pain, said: “I applied to the People’s Health Trust for a grant to take our group to a show in London to boost morale.
“They had to go after us because we’re the smallest group they’ve given money to.”
A brand that not only founded State Party the organisation, as well as the Fareham group, spent hours completing over 25 forms to apply for funding.
The group meets once a month in Christ Church, Gosport, where there are speakers, lunches and personal experiences.
Caroline Dinage The deputy said: “First of all, congratulations. I’ve been on a personal mission to get these organizations to give more money to State Sports, so I’m very grateful.
“I just wanted to be here to thank you for all you do to support each other. You all face different challenges and daily obstacles that I couldn’t even imagine.”
Bill Shearer, a Navy veteran, recently joined the group and said his experience has been nothing but good.
He said: “Everyone gets on well together.
“The group has helped a lot of people over the years.”
Wendy Hunt, one of the group’s members, who lives independently, said: “We are not judgemental. If I was sitting here in complete pain, no one would judge you because everyone knows what it’s like.’
She said she made friends through the group, which has been a lifesaver for many who attend.
Ms Dinenage added: “Gosport is like a village in the city because it has a sense of community.”
