Fight bulbs! 8,000 crocuses aim to knock-out polio

Four thousand spring bulbs are to be planted in two of Erewash’s parks within days to raise awareness of a disease that still poses a threat despite almost being eradicated – polio.

The borough council-backed campaign – which will eventually see 8,000 bulbs planted across the borough – involves volunteers who will be setting to work with spades in Long Eaton’s West Park at 11am on Wednesday 23rd October.

On Thursday 24th October, which is World Polio Day, they will again be planting giant crocuses – this time in Sawley Park from 1pm. Other parks will also get the blooms.

The entire initiative is being masterminded by Sawley Rotary Club, whose president Jayne Hopkins said: “The crocuses are purple to reflect how Rotary International is behind World Polio Day. The campaign colour is because when children in poorer countries go for vaccinations they get their fingernails painted purple.”

Thanks to the efforts of Rotary and its partners more than 16 million people are today walking instead of being paralysed by the virus – which can also be a killer.

The polio vaccine was pioneered by the late Jonas Salk, whose birthday was on 24th October. The US virologist, who died in 1995, refused to patent or seek any profit from a drug that within barely two decades saw America declared polio-free.

Today there are only a relative handful of cases annually worldwide. Councillor Mark Alfrey, Lead Member for the Environment, said: “The battle to completely eradicate this highly-infectious disease continues – and we are almost there.

“The borough council is proud to back the efforts of Rotary International and the Sawley branch in particular. Rotary have provided half of these ‘ruby giant’ crocuses – with the council funding the other 4,000 to form a spectacular spring display.

“We urge residents to consider joining the volunteer planting effort. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to both a global cause and the beauty of our borough. Please remember to bring gardening gloves and a trowel.”