I am writing to offer the thanks from all Rotarians throughout Great Britain, Ireland and beyond for the tremendous support that Baxterbear has given in our drive to rid the world of polio.

During my District Governor period of office our Rotary President of Great Britain and Ireland Ray Burman and his wife Victoria took Baxterbear’s lead, encouraged by Rotarians in Glasgow, to set Baxterbear free in the world of Rotary International. He has subsequently travelled around the globe with us and made friends where ever he has accompanied Rotarians. Including America where he met the world President of Rotary International Kalyan Banerjee and again in Bangkok mingling with 35,000 Rotarians at the annual convention.

Personally I was amazed by his energy and enthusiasm when he escorted the team of ageing Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Newton Stewart in their three mountain challenge and enabled us to record an outstanding time and record fundraising whilst trekking Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowden.

Photographs will follow as I am sure they will from Rotarians across the world.

We are making fantastic success with our End Polio Now programme and are down to the last three countries. The end is in sight and Baxterbear is very much a part of this success. Together we are making a difference to people’s lives and I am pleased to have the opportunity as a Rotarian to acknowledge the terrific contribution of Baxterbear and thank him. Please continue your great work.