Ref. 28425-5You've done it, folks! Just weeks after launching this year's Christmas appeal you generous lot have helped us reach our £4,000 target to help worthy causes in Swindon.

CHILDREN are getting in to the party spirit this Christmas, thanks to generous Evening Advertiser readers.

With the collection tins now full, we can confirm our Christmas Appeal has reached its £4,000 target, ensuring scores of parties across Swindon go with a bang.

In previous years the appeal has donated toys to 11 good causes.

But this year, the Advertiser wanted money to pay for parties, allowing children facing a host of difficulties to let their hair down.

Michael Oliver, 11, will be among those celebrating.

Michael, who has cerebral palsy, is a regular at Otters a group which meets at the Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool.

He said: "I look forward to the appeal every year. It's good being able to able to have fun with my friends."

Otters' members, who are aged between four and 12, certainly know the true meaning of Christmas, after making the decision to delay their party so a member who is ill can celebrate too.

Mum Sylvia has watched her son flourish while he has attended the special sessions.

She said: "He has built some good friendships there and he can just be himself while he is there.

"The emphasis is on having fun as well as exercising."

Jean Clifford, who runs the group with Margaret Tyson, said: "The appeal has been absolutely fantastic. Swindon people are so generous.

"It does not matter how many appeals are going on at the same time, Adver readers always give generously to the Christmas Appeal."

The group has now decided to use the money to pay for a trip to the cinema followed by pizzas.

"The children are all really looking forward to it it will be nice for them to unwind and have fun," said Mrs Clifford.

Meanwhile, Mary Bishop, the headteacher of Uplands School, in Penhill, which caters for children with severe learning disabilities, contacted the Evening Advertiser to thank readers for their support.

Mrs Bishop wrote: "Thank you so much for the wonderfully generous gift you so kindly donated to Uplands.

"We really appreciate the support the staff give to the appeal and the considerable thoughtfulness of all the readers.

"It is quite an amazing achievement to run such a successful appeal each year."

All 65 pupils at the school were encouraged to bring their families along to the party on December 17.

The children enjoyed a Christmas lunch followed by a magic show.

"Our pupils and students had a really exciting week a great way to finish the year," added Mrs Bishop.

Jan Aylward, the senior organiser of Home-Start Swindon, also asked the Advertiser to convey her gratitude to readers.

They are planning their party in February.

Mrs Aylward said: "Thank you so much for organising the Christmas Appeal this year.

"We are all delighted to have received £350, which will enable us to give the families we support a really good annual party."

The charities which have benefited are:

Walcot Family Centre

West Swindon Family Centre

Swindon Women's Refuge

The Welcome Centre

Home-Start Swindon

Chalet Special School

The Otters Group

Koalas

The Green Hut

Uplands Special School

Brimble Hill Special School