A new appeal has been launched to ensure no child with disabilities or illnesses misses out on summer fun.

The Summer for Everyone appeal is by the Family Fund, a charity which supports local families raising children with disabilities or a serious illness.

The appeal comes as Family Fun’s research among the families it supports found that 50 per cent can’t afford play equipment, such as a bike, for their children; 61 per cent have found that mainstream providers aren’t willing to make adaptations for their child to join outdoor or adventurous activities, and 81 per cent have experienced negative reactions from adults at places they’ve visited.

The charity is appealing to local businesses and community groups to fundraise or donate to the appeal in a bid to transform summer for these children.

A donation of £48 would go towards a bike to help a disabled child experience adventure and independence.

A £120 donation could fund 10 spaces at Family Fund’s Discover Digital summer festival, offering children creative, learning and social opportunities online.

And £360 would buy a trampoline that gives a seriously ill child the freedom to play safely in their garden.

For more details about how to donate, or ideas for fundraising events and activities, go to Summer for everyone - Family Fund.

For more information about the work of Family Fund in the Midlands, contact Alison Jones, the local community and volunteer fundraiser, at alison.jones@familyfund.org.u