Campaigner To Host Invisible Illness Awareness Fundraiser

A Wrexham campaigner who was subject to verbal abuse, has launched a campaign to raise awareness about invisible illnesses – with a fundraising event planned this week.

Kate Langwine-Cooke, who launched a campaign to raise awareness about invisible illnesses after being subjected to verbal abuse for parking in a disabled bay at a supermarket, has announced her first fundraising event.

Kate, 29, who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis has organised the event at Saith Seren on Chester Street for Friday 20th February, to raise awareness and raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and MS Research.

The event, which is free to attend, starts at 7.30pm is being supported with live performances from local entertainers Sam Jones, The Maydays, Luke Gallagher and The Holy Rollers.

Kate said: “This will be the first of many events I’m hoping to organise to raise awareness about this issue. Not everyone with a disability is in a wheelchair, and I want people to think twice before they make a judgement.”

“I’ve been amazed at the level of support for the event from local singers and bands and also local people and businesses who have donated raffle prizes. I hope lots of people will come along to support it.”

Following the verbal abuse Kate received, she posted a video of the incident online which has now been seen by over 30,000 people, with many getting in touch via her ‘Invisible Illnesses’ Facebook page to say they have experienced similar problems.

Plaid Cymru councillor and Wrexham parliamentary candidate Carrie Harper is also supporting the event and the campaign. She added: “Kate is passionate about this issue and it’s great to see the amount of support she’s had for the event so far, I’m sure it will be a huge success.

“We’re working together to see what we can do in a practical way to raise awareness about Invisible Illnesses locally. So far we’ve written to Wrexham council to ask if they would be willing to display Kate’s Invisible Illnesses posters at council-run car parks across the town centre. With notice boards already in place, we hope this will be an easy way for the council to help get the message out there and to support the work Kate is doing.”