A NEWLY formed support group for youngsters suffering from rare or undiagnosed disorders is hoping people will recognise their children in need.

Swindon Children Without A Diagnosis was formed by two mothers to provide support for their children, who can’t take advantage of groups set up for specific disabilities.

The aim of SCWAD is to help the children mix socially and to give respite to parents or carers.

Now the organisers are hoping that Swindon fundraisers will consider donating to them on Children In Need day tomorrow.

Secretary Bo Firth said: “If people want to donate to a local group then maybe they would think about us. We hope to provide support that is not available anywhere else.”

Mrs Firth, 45, has a nine-year-old daughter, Zoe, whose disorder has never been identified, despite a series of tests over the years.

She said: “Forty per cent of disabled children don’t have a diagnosis, so this is an issue that will probably affect a lot of people in Swindon.

“Recognised disabilities have support groups that can be of benefit not just to the children but the parents, carers and siblings. For us it’s much harder to get that support.”

Fellow founder member Teresa Brett, 55, has a 14-year-old son Robin who suffers from a metabolic disorder and undiagnosed learning difficulties.

She said: “The idea is to have somewhere for the kids to meet where they can make new friends and have somewhere they feel comfortable.

“Many of our children go to special schools out of the town and don’t get the chance to meet other kids that live in the area.

“It will also help the parents – we have to live with the fact that our children will never fully grow up and we need all the support we can get.”

The group hopes to eventually secure Government funding for holiday activities for the children and respite for parents and carers.

They are also searching for premises to hold their meetings.

For more information or to donate to SCWAD contact Teresa on 07913 625977, email scwad@ btinternet.com or go to www.scwad.org.uk.