Save the UK's CharitiesGeneral fundraising has been hit very hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thousands of fundraising events have been cancelled and many charities, particularly smaller ones, are struggling to maintain services because of this huge reduction in income. This impacts all sectors of society from children to the elderly as well as the vital work in areas such as palliative care, serious diseases, mental health, housing support, food supplies and countless others that charities support.

Therefore, we wanted to do our bit and support our very own local charity Zebras Children and Community Charity who offer an invaluable service to the local disabled community, through projects, support, campaigning and collaboration to make a real difference to people's lives. They know first hand the challenges that children, families and individuals face on a daily basis such as finding suitable employment opportunities, accessing recreation and emotional support, those that may be struggling with financial difficulty, and they strongly want to empower people to live their lives the way they choose, to "create a better future where everyone gets a chance to achieve their full potential". Their 3 main goals are to SUPPORT, EMPOWER and ACHIEVE: So SUPPORTING people where they need it and in their own way; EMPOWERING them to become the best they can be and to ACHIEVE their personal gaols and get the best from their lives.

Some of you may know, but just before the lockdown, my Nineteen year old son Liam who attends a local Special School and also has Down's Syndrome himself, began his work experience with Harriet (the founder of the charity and a Carer to her own son) at the Zebras Community Café in collaboration with Liam's school. Here, he was able to learn invaluable life skills, as well as gain vital social interaction skills for both his physical and emotional well-being. Attending gave Liam a tremendous sense of pride and independence, which are so very important for him. Sadly, after 2 sessions we went into lockdown with the rest of the world, but we reconnected with Harriet and her charity via social media and Liam has now taken part in weekly FB Live cooking sessions, giving Liam a sense of normality and continuity at this uncertain time. It's become the highlight of Liam's week.

I've since learned a lot more about Harriet and her wonderful charity, as well as the wonderful work she does and is doing with her family to help the disabled community. You can see for yourself over at www.zebrascacharity.org.uk. I'm truly inspired by their selfless acts and Liam and I want to do our bit and help raise awareness and a little money if we can to help support this amazing charity .

Therefore, on the 26th April Liam will be doing a 26 minute dance-athon, which he'll do via his Just Dance videos which he loves to upload on YouTube via his pad - something he naturally LOVES to do ... so what better way to raise money and awareness for a great cause, than doing what you love, and it also gives us a chance to say a BIG Thank You to this wonderful charity, and give something back.

All donations greatly welcomed and appreciated and we thank you in advance.