A CHARITY dedicated to helping disabled children has given a major boost to a fundraising appeal
The 100,000 Smiles appeal, supported by the Gazette, aims to raise £100,000 to create a new play area at Lexden Springs School in Colchester.
The school cares for children with severe learning difficulties and while they love play, many cannot join in because the specialist equipment is not available.
Now the appeal has received valuable support from the Colchester Children’s Charity Appeal.
The charity is buying two pieces of equipment for the playground worth a total of £7,000.
The money will buy a wooden summer house where the children can sit under cover.
It will also pay for a timber bridge which the children can walk across and which will aid balance and mobility.
The charity has also pledged to donate £250 a month to the appeal from money raised at its two shops.
Roy Kemp, treasurer of the Colchester Children’s Charity Appeal, said: “We heard about the appeal for the playground and decided to see if there is something we could do.
“We are all about helping disabled children so are pleased to contribute to this cause.”
The generous gift has brought the total raised so far to £34,000.
Andrew Fullerton, treasurer of the Lexden Springs appeal, speaking on behalf of the fundraising group said: “We are grateful to Roy Kemp and his fellow trustees for their continuing kind support for the children at Lexden Springs.
“Colchester Children's Charity Appeal has already given awards to help pupils and this continues their straightforward approach to channel the monies they raise directly to disadvantaged children."
The appeal still needs to raise more than £60,000 to pay for a new play area.
The children need specialist equipment as they cannot play on regular play areas due to their disabilities.
The new play area, at the school in Halstead Road, would include swings and a roundabout which can be used by disabled children including those in wheelchairs.
For the more able children, there would be a rope climbing frame.
A bubble tunnel and wobble board would assist the children with their agility and balance and a
wavy mirror will provide sensory stimulation for children.
Funds are still desperately needed. To contribute to the appeal, send a cheque to the Lexden Springs Appeal Fund at Lexden Springs School, Halstead Road, Colchester, CO3 9AB.
If you are fundraising for them, contact them via email at appealfund@lexdensprings.essex.sch.uk.