THE people of Gwent are being asked to support the South Gwent Children's Centre project ahead of a vital multi-million pound funding decision next week, by lobbying the Assembly and health minister Edwina Hart. ANDY RUTHERFORD reports on how readers can get involved.

EVER since the Sparkle Appeal - set up to support the South Gwent Children's Centre project - was launched four years ago, its most valuable asset has been and remains the countless individuals, businesses and voluntary groups who have contributed to it.

Click here to download the Sparkle letter.

Hundreds of donations and hundreds of fundraising events have been held to raise money, currently around £370,000, to help provide a centre to give more than 1,200 disabled children in Newport, Torfaen and south Monmouthshire, and the young disabled of future generations, the world class facility they deserve.

Next week, as reported in the Argus yesterday, the Assembly's Capital Investment Board will meet to decide whether or not to approve a £5.9 million bid from Gwent Healthcare Trust for the building and equipment required to make that a dream a reality.

That decision is vital to the project's future and Sparkle Appeal organisers want those people who have backed it to throw their collective weight behind a campaign to persuade the board, which includes health minister Edwina Hart, to say yes.

South Gwent Children's Foundation, the project's charitable arm, is launching a petition aimed at convincing Ms Hart and other board members of public support for the centre.

"It's crucial the Assembly is made aware of the strength of support for this project," said Sparkle Appeal fundraising manager Helen Lloyd.

"This is the crunch time for the South Gwent Children's Centre and the more signatures we can get, the more messages of support to put before Edwina Hart, the better."

A request is also being made for volunteers to man a lobby at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay in the days immediately prior to the board meeting on Thursday September 20.

"We're looking for people who can spare an hour or two and we would like to have a presence at the Senedd for a few hours a day from next Monday," said Helen.

  • Petition forms, which should be returned by Monday September 17, are available from the Sparkle Appeal office, Old Ingram Ward, St Woolos Hospital, Stow Hill, Newport, NP20 5SZ; telephone 01633 656212; e-mail via the link below.