Ref. 28099-45CHRISTMAS APPEAL: Supporting the Evening Advertiser Christmas Appeal will help disabled youngsters make a festive splash.

The Otters Group, based in Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool, in Jefferies Avenue, Gorse Hill, has been giving disabled children the chance to swim for the past 10 years.

It is one of 11 worthy causes the Advertiser will support in its appeal, which aims to raise £5,000.

Volunteers Jean Clifford and Margaret Tyson run the service, which currently helps 16 keen swimmers, aged between four and 12.

Mrs Clifford said: "People say you are great for doing this. But I love it and get so much from helping out.

"The children have become great friends and we all have a fantastic time."

The Otters Group meets once a fortnight to exercise and have fun in the pool.

Jacqui Herrington, 35, from Rodbourne Cheney, has been bringing her son, Alex, nine, and daughter, Katie, eight, for the past five years.

She said: "They look forward to coming so much. It is a brilliant service. Katie has hearing problems and Alex has chronic lung disease, but in the water they simply relax and enjoy themselves."

Last year The Otters received £250, which was spent on a bumper pool party and presents for the children.

This year Nationwide Building Society, based in Pipers Way, has already kicked off the fundraising festivities by donating a cheque for £1,000.

Collection boxes have now been placed around the town, so donations can easily be made.

The other organisations to benefit from the appeal are the Walcot Family Centre, West Swindon Family Centre, The Welcome Centre, Homestart, Chalet Special School, The Koalas Opportunity Group, The Green Hut, Uplands Special School and Brimble Hill Special School.

How to donate to the appeal

To donate money to our Christmas appeal you can drop in to any branch of Nationwide and quote Evening Advertiser Christmas Appeal Account number 0435/703528821

Collection boxes have also been placed in the following locations:

Sainsbury's in Bridgemead

Sainsbury's in Stratton St Margaret.

Tesco in The Parade, Swindon

Havelock News in Havelock Street, Swindon.

Baileys News in Cheney Manor and in High Street, Wootton Bassett.

Dillons, in Newburgh Place, Highworth.

Grange Drive News, in Grange Drive, Stratton St Margaret.

Spar shop in Purton.

Rodbourne Mini Market, in Rodbourne Road, Rodbourne Cheney.

Victoria Tagg