A charity has launched a fundraising campaign to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

Congleton-based Friends for Leisure is appealing for 30 businesses to each donate £1,000 with the goal of raising £30,000 to support their work.

Founded in 1995 by a group of parents in Macclesfield, the charity supports disabled children and young people across Cheshire East.

Charity manager, Gillian Jones, said: "2025 marks a significant milestone for Friends for Leisure.

"Providing support and care for so many children for the past three decades is something we're all very proud of, and we want to continue this incredible work long into the future.

"We are looking for local businesses to help us give disabled children and young people across Cheshire East access to the friendships they deserve." 

The charity celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025 (Credit: FfL)

Friends for Leisure was started by a group of parents in Macclesfield who wanted to provide friendship and leisure opportunities for their disabled children.

Today, the charity has one full-time, six part-time and five casual members of staff and is supported by a network of up to 100 volunteers.

By providing activities during term time and school holidays, the charity aims to reduce loneliness, improve confidence and independence and offer a place for children to make friends and have fun. 

Gillian added: "Away from school, children with disabilities can often be cut off from vital support networks and friendship groups.

"At Friends for Leisure our goal is to bridge that gap.

"As a charity we rely on private donations and fundraising.

"This money doesn't just help fund our events; it gives parents peace of mind that their children are safe and happy.

"I am encouraging local businesses to support us and see the difference we can make to these children's lives together."

Friends for Leisure provide activities for disabled children and young people (Credit: Nub News)

Companies that sign up for Friends for Leisure's '30 for 30' campaign will be given a special certificate to acknowledge their support and an invitation to the charity's anniversary fun day in Congleton on October 4.  

To find out more about their work, visit www.friendsforleisure.org.uk.