Currencies, compassion and a Simply Thriving community

SIMPLY THRIVING, the popular Costa del Sol social group run by Val Williams, celebrated their Late Summer Party at Miraflores Golf Club on Sunday, September 15, with outstanding success.

The solidarity of the Costa del Sol community was demonstrated to be stronger than ever with the sell-out gala event filling all 160 of its seats and surpassing its fundraising target for AFA, the Alzheimer’s support charity.

Funny guy, singer, and compere for the evening, Nathan Dean, ensured all the kitchen and waiting staff received a round of applause before the proceedings began, and as the event was in aid of those suffering Alzheimer’s and dementia, he opened the night with a couple of carefully selected songs paying homage to those who care for loved ones with the disease.

The Euro Weekly News caught up with Emilio Mogollón from AFA Fuengirola y Mijas, who told us about their work helping 110 sufferers of Alzheimer’s and dementia and their families. He explained how their work cannot cure this devastating disease, but through early diagnosis and brain-stimulating exercises, it was possible to ‘put the brakes on’ its advancing. He also praised the generosity of Simply Thriving, telling us how they relied a great deal on kindhearted members of the community, such as Val Williams of Simply Thriving, to raise funds and support.

Meanwhile, Nathan Dean had handed the mic to Brian Piccolo for some of his signature classic songs, followed by young songstress Emma Prothero, who wowed diners with her angelic voice as she covered classic Elton John and Lady Gaga songs.

Val Williams, creator and coordinator of the Simply Thriving Group, gave the Euro Weekly News some of her time to talk about her almost 40 years living in Mijas and the importance of standing together and supporting one another. There were many in the area, she told us, who have lost their spouses and need groups like this to receive the affection, company, and support of others. Some, she said, were also in economic straits in which they could now no longer afford to return to their home countries, and the feeling of community helped them through hard times.

After a rousing performance by singer Melissa Carver, Brian Piccolo took to the stage once more to announce the evening had been a resounding success and that they had reached their target of €4,500. Michel Euesden, CEO of Euro Weekly News, then presented a cheque for €1,000 generously donated by national money transfer company, Currencies Direct, raising the total to €5,500 which was an outstanding achievement.

On Monday morning the Euro Weekly newsdesk received a donation of €500 from an anonymous benefactor on the coast, with additional local residents bringing the final total to €6,000.

Congratulations to the community of the Costa del Sol, where you are guaranteed to never walk alone.

Even in your darkest moments… The Costa of community and compassion.