Friends for Leisure Raises £1,500 at 30th Anniversary Charity Gala Dinner

 Friends for Leisure, a Cheshire East charity supporting children and young people with additional needs and disabilities, has raised more than £1,500 at a special charity gala dinner celebrating its 30th anniversary. 

Held on Saturday 17^th October at Congleton Golf Club, the event brought together supporters, local dignitaries and members of the community for an evening of celebration and fundraising, helping to secure vital funds for the charity's ongoing work. 

Guests enjoyed a three-course meal, raffle and live entertainment from local band Dr Bruff and the Push. A highlight of the evening came when former young people supported by Friends for Leisure shared their personal experiences and spoke about the positive impact the charity has had on their lives. 

The event was attended by several special guests, including the Mayor of Congleton, Suzy Firkin; the Mayor of Crewe, Stuart Mackay; the Mayor of Cheshire East, Judy Snowball; and the Chair of Holmes Chapel Parish Council, Diane Tams. 

For more than 30 years, Friends for Leisure has provided social and leisure opportunities for children and young people with additional needs and disabilities aged between 5 and 21 across Congleton, Macclesfield, Crewe, Knutsford, Sandbach and Disley. Through youth groups, sports, drama, bowling and holiday activities, the charity helps tackle isolation and loneliness while giving young people opportunities to build friendships, confidence and independence. 

The funds raised will provide a welcome boost for the charity, which has faced increasing financial pressures and earlier this year was forced to introduce charges for some of its services. 

Amanda Hunt, General Manager at Friends for Leisure, said:

“Bringing so many people together to celebrate 30 years of Friends for Leisure made the evening incredibly special and gave us an opportunity to reflect on everything the charity has achieved. Hearing from former young people about their experiences and how Friends for Leisure has made a difference to their lives was a lovely reminder of why the work we do is so important. 

"We're incredibly grateful to everyone who bought tickets, supported the raffle and helped make the evening such a success. Raising £1,500 is a fantastic result and every penny will help us continue creating opportunities for children and young people with additional needs and disabilities across Cheshire East.” 

Friends for Leisure is a Cheshire East charity which supports disabled children and young people aged between 5-21. The charity aims to reduce isolation and loneliness, which can often accompany having a disability, as well as improve children’s confidence, self-esteem and overall wellbeing. Operating across Congleton, Macclesfield, Crewe, Knutsford, Sandbach and Disley with head offices in Congleton.   

Friends for Leisure believes everyone needs a friend. The charity is passionate about offering disabled children and young people the opportunity to have everyday friendships and take part in leisure activities, such as drama and sports sessions as well as regular youth groups and ten pin bowling.

www.friendsforleisure.org.uk 

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