THERE are 81,000 reasons for fundraisers for our Sparkle Appeal to smile.

Because Argus readers have raised £81,000 for the appeal which aims to help a new centre for disabled children at High Cross, Newport.

We launched the Sparkle Appeal last December to raise £250,000 towards the £6 million centre which will help 1,200 disabled children in Newport, Torfaen and south Monmouthshire.

Throughout the past 10 months, people across Gwent have donated money, held sponsored events and volunteered to help raise the money. Tina White, project development manager, said: "Here at the Sparkle Appeal we are truly impressed at the support that your readers have given. "Raising and pledging over £81,000 in such a short space of time is a remarkable achievement.

"We are now working with a wide range of potential major donors, in order to achieve the earliest possible start on building the new children's centre.

"The support of the local communities plays a vital part in helping us to persuade businesses and grant making bodies to support the project. "I would like to pass on a very heartfelt thank you on behalf of all the children and families who will ultimately benefit from the generosity your readers have, and hopefully will continue to show."

Among the people who have helped the appeal are ten firefighters from Newport who cycled 850 mile from Gibraltar to Santander and 80 youngsters from Eveswell Nursery, Newport who took part in a sponsored toddle.

The Sparkle Appeal has also been selected as one of mayor of Newport's chosen charities of the year.

Councillor Paul Cockeram has already taken part in a sponsored abseil from the Royal Gwent Hospital to raise funds for the appeal.

The next major event for the Sparkle Appeal will be Sparkle Day on Thursday, December 16, when schools and businesses will be encouraged to wear something sparkly to work or do something to support the Sparkle Appeal.

Roger Jones, chairman of the fundraising committee, said: "I am very pleased with how much support the public have given to the appeal. "We have a long way to go but we are making steady progress."