St Myllin’s Church in the small Welsh town of Llanfyllin near Oswestry has a problem. Members of the local community wanting to join in events there face severe difficulties getting in if they are confined to a wheelchair or in a pushchair.

The Friends of St Myllin’s are raising funds to provide disabled access for the community church space. A new set of steps and a handrail will also be installed making the space suitable for everybody with safe accessibility.

In her younger days, Crystal was a professional dancer. Later, with her husband Mick, she ran the shop and Post Office up at Lake Vyrnwy and was well-loved by the local community. Now in her 90s and living in Llanfyllin, her mobility is failing her. With the help of Ceris her daughter, it took 10 minutes to navigate the steps into the main door. When inside, the only place that could accommodate her wheelchair was a space at the back by the font – just by herself. This has to change and we will. We have already obtained all the required permissions to build new steps with a ramp and to rearrange some pews to accommodate wheelchairs and pushchairs in the centre of the nave adjacent to seats for friends and family. We are including a ramp to gain access to the chancel.  When finished, Crystal will be able to perform again – but probably not dancing.