One of North Dorset’s most important success stories is facing its final chapter unless core funding can be found.

Launched five years ago at the House of Commons by Conservative Party leader David Cameron MP, Marnhull-based charity Breathe On UK has helped families across the country whose children have severe breathing difficulties.

The charity, whose president is Prof Stephen Hawking, and which numbers actor Stephen Fry among its supporters, celebrates its fifth birthday this week.

But despite the tireless efforts of its founder, Victoria Townsend, the charity is running out of money, and is desperate to secure NHS funding to help children with Long Term Ventilation needs (LTV).

“We have had no core funding since the charity was launched. We have probably got enough to carry us through until March or April. After that I really can’t say that we are able to carry on.”

Victoria was inspired to launch the charity by the complex care needs of her own son, William, now aged nine, and cared for at the Children’s Trust Hospital in Surrey.

“I’m doing this for my love for William. There are complications to his condition. He can’t breathe, he can’t speak. He has partial hearing and sight.

“I never know if the next phone call will be a good phone call or a bad phone call.”

Now the campaigner, who runs Breathe On UK with the help of the family support officer and a part time accountant, is pinning her hopes on a crunch meeting with NHS representatives in the New Year.

“I don’t believe that in any way, shape or form we are different from any other organisation that fits the NHS’ remit. Until we have had the meeting, we won’t know how much money is available.”

North Dorset MP, Bob Walter, said it was awful to think that the charity may only survive until March or April.

“Breathe On UK relies heavily on private donations to survive, so I’d like to take the opportunity of this anniversary to urge individuals and businesses to think of this local charity when giving generously this Christmas.”

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