Gwent children’s charity Sparkle is appealing to local business to supports its Christmas fundraising appeal, which aims to raise vital funds for local children with a disability or developmental difficulty.

The charity, which funds and supports the Serennu Children’s Centre in Newport, has to raise at least £500,000 every year to be able to continue supporting these children and their families.

And it says without the support and generosity of local businesses this would not be possible.

Around 500 children with conditions such as Down's syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism visit the centre every week for treatment, support and care. It is the only facility of its kind in the UK where children and families can access medical and holistic services from under one roof including doctors, therapists, nurses, psychologists, social workers, family liaison officers, play workers, clubs and support groups.

Money raised from the festive campaign will go towards funding many of these vital services and resources, which are a lifeline for the children and families that use them.

Sparkle trustee Noel Davies said: “This year’s Christmas Appeal is so important to our fundraising efforts. The number of children and families we support and help continues to grow and without the support of local businesses we would not be able to help them.

“That is why we are appealing to these companies to please consider making a donation to the charity this Christmas. In doing so, you will be helping transform the lives of hundreds of local children. Life isn’t easy for many of them and this can be compounded even more for families at Christmas.

“As Gwent’s local children’s charity we are so grateful to the support we receive from local businesses and hope as many as possible get behind our Christmas Appeal so we can help more local children in need sparkle.”

If you would like to make a donation either visit www.sparkleappeal.org and click on the donate button or send a cheque made payable to The Sparkle Appeal to Sparkle, Serennu Children’s Centre, Cwrt Camlas, High Cross, Rogerstone, NP10 9LY.