My daughter returned home during her first year at University as she suffered a breakdown. Her depression was intense and she had to see counsellors as well as take medication. She stayed in her room and refused to join the world in which she was hiding from - she was searching for some way in which to re-build her confidence and for a year we wrote and spoke to a variety of companies asking whether she could work or volunteer for them. Everyone we spoke to turned us away until I found a leaflet outlining a wonderful centre offering support and training for adults with disabilities. I rang them and spoke to Andy (Auntie Val's husband) who suggested I pop up with my daughter and see what they did - they make the best jams, marmalade and chutneys I have ever tasted.

My daughter knew immediately that she wanted to join the team. Within days my daughter was returned to me and I have never seen her as happy and the first smile on her beautiful face, after that awful year, is a gift I will always picture and hold to my heart.

Today, I was told that Auntie Val's will have to close the manufacturing side of their community as they urgently require funding due to a rise in manufacturing costs. If anyone knows of a company who are able to sponsor Auntie Val, please get in touch.

I do not want to lose my daughter again, I have only just got her back.