A MALVERN charity which supports families who have children with disabilities can continue its vital work after being awarded more than £100,000 from BBC Children in Need.
Malvern Special Families (MSF) has been given a £119,051 grant, which will be delivered over three years, to help provide inclusive play opportunities for disabled children in the community.
Through a programme of child-focused support, the Church Street charity aims to increase confidence in children, help them feel less isolated and prepare them to cope with challenges which they may face in the future.
This latest boost of funding from BBC Children in Need’s main grants scheme brings the total currently invested in Worcestershire charities to more than £740,000.
Cassie Zoro, community fund-raiser at MSF, said: “We are delighted to receive the fantastic news that BBC Children in Need support our small charity.
“We are very grateful to BBC Children in Need for their support and to all the kind people who fund-raise for them.
“It is hard to put into words how much this means to our charity.
“It will enable us to continue to offer excellent social opportunities at our clubs and play schemes.
“But most importantly it will make a huge positive difference to the lives of our MSF children.”
MSF chairperson Helen Attree added: “This week we are raising awareness about our small charity as we are proud to reach the milestone of supporting families for 30 years so it is a brilliant time to receive such good news from BBC Children in Need.
“I would like to say a huge thank you on behalf of our MSF families.”
The newly-awarded grant comes as BBC Children in Need celebrates its highest ever fund-raising total of £60million throughout last year’s appeal.
Money raised goes towards projects which work with children and young people who are affected by a range of disadvantages including homelessness, neglect, deprivation and poverty.
It also support those who are dealing with a serious illness or bereavement.
Melinda Connelly, BBC Children in Need’s head of the central region, said: “We are delighted to be announcing additional funding in Worcestershire.
“All of our funding goes on to positively impact the lives of disadvantaged children and young people, and recently awarded projects like Malvern Special Families really will go on to change young lives in the area.”
Simon Antrobus, chief executive of BBC Children in Need, added: “These grants would not have been possible had it not been for the incredible support shown across the UK in 2016.
“Thank you to everyone who fund-raised and donated last year.
“The money raised really will go on to make a huge difference to children and young people throughout the UK who need it most.”
