The Canterbury Oast Trust (COT) is a dynamic and forward-thinking charitable trust set up in the mid-1980s by a pioneering group of parents including my Grandpa. The charity looks after a number of adults with learning disabilities across Kent and East Sussex including my Auntie Karen who has Down's Syndrome.

The trust provides a number of homes and a family environment with the focus on helping adults have fulfilling and independent lives. There are a number of enterprises including tearooms, a nature reserve and wood-working group, and a rare breeds farm (www.rarebreeds.org.uk/ ) where the residents can learn all sorts of skills to boost their confidence and to change people's perceptions of people with disability.

My Aunt is now 49 years old and is retired but she had worked as a waitress and worked in the horticulture department at the farm. The trust also gave her the chance to play snooker, go horse riding and enjoy days out and parties. She still uses the Rainbow Gallery (http://www.c-o-t.org.uk/our-services/our-enterprises/rainbow-gallery) to make craft items such as cushions and paintings. I see her on a regular basis in her bungalow overlooking Romney Marsh.

Your donation, however small, is really appreciated. I'm aiming to raise enough to allow someone in the trust to enjoy a day out, perhaps to the cinema or to the seaside. Many thanks for your support, it really means a lot to me and my family!