A COALPIT HEATH charity founder was treated to a special visit to Number 10 Downing Street.


Kath Aldom, 58, from Frampton Cotterell, visited Downing Street after receiving an invitation from prospective MP Luke Hall on Tuesday, February 3.


Mrs Aldom, the founder of Paul’s Place Charity on Serridge Lane, met with Samantha Cameron during the visit who personally thanked Mrs Aldom for the work she has done in South Gloucestershire.


She was awarded an MBE in the 2008 New Year’s Honours list, but had never worn her MBE until her visit to Number 10.


Mrs Aldom said: “I felt very privileged to go to Number 10 and was so grateful that Luke chose me to do the visit.


“I don’t mind imagine many people get the opportunity to go there and have a tour and look around, so I am very pleased that I was able to, it was a great experience.


“It was great to also have the opportunity to meet Samantha Cameron who was really welcoming and warm, and talk to her about Paul’s Place.


“Until Paul’s Place came into existence there was no group supporting adults with physically disabilities in Bristol and the surrounding counties.

"I had previously worked with physically disabled adults over a number of years and had always felt that this group were treated so differently from the rest of society and were often patronised.


“I knew that things should and could be so different, as all people need to be treated with respect."


Mrs Aldom founded Paul’s Place in Coalpit Heath in 1995, as a centre that supports physically, sensory and cognitively impaired adults.


Mr Hall said: “It was an honour to take Kath to Number 10, the work she does locally is invaluable and it was a huge pleasure to visit Paul’s Place recently to see the work she does first hand.


“Kath has demonstrated that she doesn’t just run day facilities, but provides a shoulder to cry on, a place to laugh and a second home for so many local people who rely on the support that Paul’s Place provides.”