FRESHWINDS, BIRMINGHAM (AUGUST 2007)

The Skipton Building Society Charitable Foundation has donated £2,400 to Freshwinds to fund specialised outings for children with long-term and life-limiting illnesses - as well as providing support to their families. These group outings, which in the past have included trips to nature centres, botanical gardens, the cinema and the pantomime, offer a chance for families in similar circumstances to meet and build a supportive network where they can share advice with each other.

Freshwinds, established in 1992, is based in Birmingham and provides care and support for adults and children living with life-threatening and life-limiting health conditions as well as those from socially excluded backgrounds. The charity manages a wide range of projects including the provision of integrated complementary therapy, advocacy, employment and community-based education projects on social issues such as substance misuse and crime.

Matthew Hamilton, fundraiser, commented, "We are pleased to have received a grant from the Skipton Charitable Foundation. It is a lifeline that will allow us to continue providing and expanding our services. Many of the families who go on these outings say they would not feel comfortable going out with their children alone. It gives them hope and a new way of looking at their life and not their illness."

Kay Hargreaves, branch manager of Skipton's Solihull branch, on behalf of the Skipton Building Society Charitable Foundation, added, "We are delighted to have been able to donate to such a worthy cause and hope that both the children and parents will benefit from these outings. Our Charitable Foundation aims to make a real difference to people's lives and any registered charities that are looking for help can pick up an application form from their nearest Skipton branch."