As a young boy, I used to regularly visit my mother at her work after school. She worked at a local day centre for people with severe learning and physical disabilities and even now I remember fondly the people that attended the centre. They were so full of character and were easily amongst some of the best people I've ever spent time with and so have always wanted to do something that would give support to people like those who attended the day centre. 

In my personal life, I've experienced two Grandmothers who sadly lost their battle with Dementia. Most of you will know I have a nephew with Autism among other conditions. Life has been hard for him and his parents, accessing support and getting the educational provision he needs but even through all the adversary he still continues to blossom into a fantastic young man- someone who inspires me on a daily basis. Also as a former member of the Royal Navy, I've known colleagues to lose limbs during conflict and other injuries that have changed their life forever.

Leonard Cheshire Disability support and help every type of disability, including the three I mentioned above, not only here in the UK but worldwide too.

Just an example of how the funding is spent:

• £200 could pay to train two teachers in the developing world the skills they need to teach disabled children and non-disabled children together.
• £800 can buy a touch screen monitor enabling people with limited movement in their hands to use computer equipment.
• £2,000 could buy a ‘tilt table’ to provide pain relief and help breathing, digestion, bone density and posture for a disabled person with little or no movement in their limbs.

Please give what you can, I am sure that every single one of us have been effected directly by disability (no matter the type or cause) to our loved ones or friends of loved ones, or even yourselves. Leonard Cheshire Disability can provide the support and care that they deserve and every penny really does count.