A CHARITABLE fund set up to support children with special needs in Dorset has been supported by the HM Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell.

Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children, which is the UK's largest charity funder of specialist equipment for children with disabilities and terminal illness have created a dedicated Newlife Dorset Fund to aid families living in the county.

The charity has supported 86 children so far through equipment grants and loans totalling over £112,000, with seven children in the area now needing help to get specialist equipment to improve their lives.

Mr Campbell, HRH The Queen's official representative in Dorset, said: "Newlife Foundation is a national organisation that does extremely valuable work in support of young people in Dorset and undertakes to spend all money raised in a county on those in need within that county.

"Furthermore, they promise that not one penny of local money raised is taken out of that pot to fund admin costs. This is a Foundation that is clearly worthy of support."

Special disability equipment includes wheelchairs, walkers, beds, seating and communication aids, which can help give children independence, keep them safe, relieve pain and overcome challenges. Funding could help a child who is to be discharged from hospital, take their first steps or kick a football with their friends.

Mr Campbell said that statutory services in Dorset often have a responsibility to make sure that the right equipment is provided for children and young people, but when this is not possible, Newlife steps in where possible with a range of grant and loan services. It is arranged with the support of front-line health professionals across Dorset who have helped the charity to support local children.

The Newlife Dorset Fund support equipment provision for under-19s facing any significant disability, whether it is acquired through a birth defect, prematurity, an accident or illness.

It aims to provide them with the equipment that they need for everyday life and the charity also supports families with a nurse-staffed helpline, emergency equipment loans and sensory and developmental toy pod loans.

Anyone who would like to hold a fundraising event in aid of the good cause or find out more about the charity can go to Newlifecharity.co.uk/Dorset, email Local@newlifecharity.co.uk or call 01543 431 444.