THE premise of the Sparkle Appeal is simple but ambitious - to raise £6m to build and equip a one-stop centre for more than 1200 disabled children in Newport, Torfaen and south Monmouthshire.

The need for it has been recognised by healthcare experts and parents for many years - they have had the frustration of having to use clinics such as Eveswell and Clytha in Newport.

These are old buildings ill-designed to meeting the needs of youngsters with a wide range of problems such as cerebral palsy, visual and hearing impairments, arthritis, speech problems and respiratory troubles.

The treatment and care of these children often involves trips to different clinics in different locations, and parents also have to attend case meetings with education and social services staff, again in a variety of different locations. This adds further strain and complication to what can already be a stressful existence coping with the needs of a disabled child and other children.

The South Gwent Children's Centre will seek to change things for the better. It will be unique,bringing together health, education and social services under one roof for the benefit of the children and their families.

It will also be about providing facilities that many of us take for granted. Going to a playground, swimming, enjoying time out with friends are simple joys too often denied to disabled children and their families.

The centre will be built on a 14-acre site at High Cross, behind High Cross Road and Glasllwch Crescent. Unfortunately, this is not a project that has been likely to attract government or Assembly funding. A host of funding sources are now being explored by the South Gwent Children's Foundation. This is likely to include a bid to the National Lottery.