In the run up to Christmas, a Gwent children’s charity in is inviting you to spread a little sparkle and raise vital funds.

Sparkle, which works with and supports hundreds of children and young people with disabilities or developmental difficulties, and their families across Gwent, is launching a ’Sparkle for Sparkle day’.

The charity partner of Serennu Children’s Centre in Newport, Nevill Hall Children’s Centre in Abergavenny and Caerphilly Children’s Centre in Caerphilly wants the people of Gwent to get sparkly on December 17 to raise money.

The idea is simple - schools, businesses, community groups and individuals are encouraged to take part however they like; from paying £1 to be able to wear a sparkly outfit to school for the day, making and selling cupcakes covered in glitter or by holding a sparkly disco or party. It really is up to you.

Whether you take part at school, work or at home with friends and family, everyone is invited to sparkle for Sparkle this Christmas.

Like many charities, Sparkle has been put under extreme financial pressure due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The charity supports nearly 200 children and young people a week through a wide range of leisure activities, such as youth, play and after school clubs. Hundreds of families also receive advice and support from the Family Liaison Officers and enjoy activities such as family swims and cinema screenings.

Sparkle Trustee, Nicole Garnon, said she hopes people will join in with this festive campaign to give the charity a cash boost, during what has been a very difficult time for the charity,

"The pandemic has hit our fundraising really hard but we are determined to maintain the fantastic services we provide for so many disabled children and young people, and their families across the whole of Gwent," she said.

"Please get involved. Every donation, no matter how small, helps the staff continue to provide invaluable support for so many young people and their families."

We are asking you to Sparkle for Sparkle on Friday December 17. Sparkle staff will be holding their own event on that day and you will be able to join in and share your stories and learn more about what Sparkle’s work via social media coverage.

You can also share your ’Sparkle for Sparkle’ fundraiser with the charity on social media, using #Sparkle4Sparkle and #ChristmasSparkle.

Donate the money you raise via Sparkle’s Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/sparkleforsparklethischristmas

If you have any questions about fundraising for Sparkle, contact them on [email protected]