Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group has set itself a £10,000 target for its Greatest Showman-themed charity ball after seeing a rise in demand for the speech and language therapy it provides for young people

The evening of glitz and glamour at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Swindon on March 25 is a highlight of the group's fundraising year and previous events have brought in a respectable £6,000.

But this year the organisers set their sights higher.

Chair of the charity Kim West said: “Each year we need to raise in excess £40,000 to continue to provide free speech and language therapy to children up to the age of 25.

"We don’t charge our parents for this service as we need to ensure that it is accessible to all families and that nobody is excluded on grounds of income. We do ask that every member helps with raising funds either individually or by supporting group fundraising events.”

"Our ball is just one of the events we run to bring in much needed funds. Since the pandemic, the demand for speech therapy has increased significantly, meaning we need to raise even more money to support people with Down’s syndrome.”

The evening features a three course meal, live music from the band 24/7, an auction and a raffle.Local businesses are being asked to donate prizes.

Kim added: “Our committee is working hard behind the scenes to get everything ready for March. We want our ball to be a chance for people to get dressed up, dance the night away, all while supporting a great cause.”

The group, which was launched almost 40 years ago, champions children and young people with Down’s in Swindon and the surrounding areas including Malmesbury, Marlborough, Chippenham, Ashton Keynes, Cirencester, Pewsey and Devizes. The aim is to ensure they have the same opportunities as everyone else.

It offers speech and language therapy sessions for under 25s.

But it also provides support for new parents who have recently received a diagnosis, runs a youth club, organises family trips and runs sports sessions.

It gives schools training on educating children with Down's and its young members have the chance to join a five-day fire course run by Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service to help them learn life and work skills.

Tickets for the charity ball are on sale via the Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group’s website at swindondownsgroup.org.uk/event/the-greatest-charity-ball-2023/ and anyone wanting to donate an auction lot or raffle prize can email chair@swindondownsgroup.org.uk for details.