The parents of one of the residents of a home for people with learning disabilities have backed a charity appeal to keep her with her friends.

Mick Piercy, 78, and his wife Rose, 73, are supporting Fircroft Trust which has helped their daughter since she moved in 10 years ago.

The charity is trying to raise £1 million to turn the derelict White Hart pub site in Hook into a modern home bringing together people from three care homes.

The couple, who live in Kingsmead Avenue in Tolworth, also spoke about their joy at how Sally has made friends, can pop down the pub and visit her day centre, all with the backing of staff at Maple Lodge.

Sally, now 48, spent the first 38 years of her life living with her parents, brother David and sister Jane, and attended Dysart School.

Rose said: "She was a much wanted daughter and we were very lucky she was born on her father’s birthday. She is everything we wanted.

"We found out she was brain damaged but it didn’t matter. We still love her.

"We have just treated her like the others. That is why she is so brilliant. We can go anywhere with her."

Mick, who used to work for a building company, said: "When we got to retirement we really had to think about her future because we know there will be a day we’re not here.

"We were so lucky a vacancy came up at Maple Lodge and she fitted in very well there because a lot of her friends were friends from the day centre.

"The staff are lovely, kind and caring and that’s all you can wish for."

Within two years Maple Lodge will no longer be able to meet the changing needs of some of its older residents.

Residents would be located a great distance away from the friends that they love and the staff who understand and care for them when they are approaching one of the most vulnerable periods of their life.

Rose said: "It would be terrible if they had to split up because they do care for each other.

"With Maple Lodge they are like a big family. We can walk in any time and there will always be a big smile.

"I think when you mention there’s going to be a home people are wary and also wary of property prices but if they went and visited and met them all they would realise they are just people.

"I think Hook is a great alternative for them all to go and they are all excited. It’s a step for the future isn’t it?

"They are all talking about it. It will be a great adventure."

To support the Building Potential campaign call 0208 399 1772 or visit the website at www.thefircrofttrust.org.

The Kingston Guardian has also created a special section of our website at kingstonguardian.co.uk/news/fircroftappeal to chart the progress week by week of the appeal.