A NEW fundraising campaign has been launched by Dorset disability charity Diverse Abilities, to celebrate the 100th birthday of its founder.

Phyllis Edwards set up the organisation in its original format more than 60 years ago, after her own daughter Marilyn was diagnosed with cerebral palsy in the 1950s.

The charity evolved over the years to become Diverse Abilities, which now offers support to more than 2,000 disabled children and adults, and their families, throughout their lives through a range of different services including Langside specials school, Lily's Place children's respite, Barnabas adult day centre and a supported living scheme.

Phyllis marked her 100th birthday at Two Cedars in Broadstone, the residential care home where she has lived for the last five years, on November 5 with friends; family; the Mayor of Poole, Councillor Lindsay Wilson; the Queen's local representative the Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell, and a telegram from the government.

Diverse Abilities is continuing to mark the occasion throughout the month of November to celebrate just how far the charity has come and to continue her legacy for years to come, by asking local people and businesses to give a gift of £100 to celebrate Phyllis' 100 years.

Ashley Weedon, fundraising manager at Diverse Abilities, said: “If, like Phyllis, you believe that everyone, regardless of the cards dealt to them, deserves to be given the chance to lead happy, fulfilled lives, please donate what you can - all donations would be very gratefully received and will continue the vital work Diverse Abilities does to support those with disabilities locally.”

For further information regarding Diverse Abilities, the charity’s story or to donate online visit diverseabilities.org.uk/Phyllis