AS the campaign pressing the Assembly's Capital Investment Board to fund a new children's centre for 1,200 Gwent disabled youngsters gathers pace, health reporter Andy Rutherford catches up with a brave girl who was the face of local fundraising efforts.

REBECCA Maggs helped launch our Sparkle Appeal almost four years ago, one of more than 1,200 children of her generation in south Gwent who would benefit from a new centre to help disabled youngsters meet life's challenges.

Ten-year-old Rebecca, from Newport, was our cover girl as the Argus-backed appeal in aid of the South Gwent Children's Centre got under way in December 2003.

Almost four years on, the project faces a crucial decision at the National Assembly for Wales on Thursday September 20, when its Capital Investment Board, which scrutinises major NHS schemes, will consider a bid for the £5.9m needed to make the centre, on land at High Cross, a reality.

For Rebecca and many youngsters like her, who need physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and other support from specialists to help them fulfil their potential, the need for the South Gwent Children's Centre is more urgent now than it was even in 2003.

Rebecca has benefited from the care and support of specialist therapists at Newport's Eveswell Clinic.

But the need for a new centre to replace Eveswell was acknowledged by health chiefs back in 1991, and the building is inadequate to meet the demands of 21st century healthcare.

Rebecca was born 15 weeks premature in 1996 and her struggle for survival left her with cerebral palsy.

The love and support she has received from family, teachers at Crindau primary school, and the therapists from whom she still receives treatment, is backed by her own determination.

It is the sort of dedication, replicated in many other families in south Gwent with disabled children, that deserves recognition, in the form of a new, purpose-built centre, with a strong family focus.

"Rebecca has loved being involved with the Sparkle Appeal, she's made a lot of friends, and it would be great to see the centre open so she and other children can benefit," said mum Sue, of Harlequin Court, Newport.

  • You can send to Assembly health minister Edwina Hart, in support of the funding bid for the South Gwent Children's Centre. Just click on the link below to download a letter. Just print it off, print and sign your name and send to:

ANDY RUTHERFORD,
HEALTH REPORTER,
NEWSDESK,
SOUTH WALES ARGUS,
CARDIFF ROAD,
MAESGLAS,
NEWPORT NP20 3QN

Or fax it back to 01633 777202.