GWENT children’s charity Sparkle has launched a Christmas Appeal to raise vital funds to support hundreds of local children affected by 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 disabled children and those with complex developmental difficulties and their families.

And it says without the support and generosity of local people, particularly at Christmas, 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: “Our Christmas Fundraising Appeal is so important this year because more local children than ever before need our help. Life isn’t easy for many of these children and their families, particularly at Christmas, which is why we are hoping as many local people as possible support our campaign.

“These are local children who deserve so much, but without the generosity of the general public we cannot fund the vital services, staff and facilities we support. It doesn’t matter how big or small your donation is; every penny will go towards transforming the lives of these children and will make such a huge difference to their lives.”

The Serennu Children’s Centre opened in April 2011 with support from many Gwent individuals and businesses including the South Wales Argus.

Because it offers a wide range of services the children it cares for do not have to travel to lots of different places for their treatment and care giving them and their families consistency and support.

The centre is managed by the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and supported by its official main charity Sparkle which has to raise more than £500,000 every year to fund the vital services, staff and equipment that it provides.

If you would like make a donation to help the local children Sparkle supports you can either visit the charity’s at www.sparkleappeal.org and click on the donate button or you can also donate by post by sending a cheque made payable to The Sparkle Appeal to Sparkle, Serennu Children’s Centre, Cwrt Camlas, High Cross, Rogerstone, NP10 9LY.