Charity action to help kids

NCH, leading children's charity, is calling on borough residents, MPs and businesses to get actively involved in a major fundraising appeal in Yorkshire launched this week.

The NCH Growing Strong Appeal aims to raise an ambitious 400,000 to help boost the emotional wellbeing of children and young people - and 70,000 of that could be coming Doncaster's way.

Money raised through a year-long series of activities and events will help projects including the NCH Balby Children's Centre in Doncaster.

The project provides health and education services to children and families to help them develop and give them the best possible start in life.

Denise Lane, manager of NCH's Balby Children's Centre, said: "We're passionate about supporting children and young people to grow strong. We know from our daily work that increasing their confidence and self esteem is crucial to unlocking a child's potential and with your help we can make a real difference to their future."

NCH's South Yorkshire fundraiser, Mary Shearn, added: "We know this is a sensitive time in Doncaster and we are not ignoring the needs of flood victims but we hope people can support this cause as well."

Mrs Shearn has already arranged two big events for the Growing Strong Appeal - the first a sponsored parachute jump day at Brigg Airport in North Lincolnshire on October 27 and the second a Hog-Dash assault course day at Hesley Wood, near Sheffield, on November 24. She is also hoping to run a fashion show, a sponsored swim, and bingo night.

Anyone interested in taking part in the events or supporting the appeal, contact Mary Shearn on 0114 2304989 or email [email protected].