A CHARITY that takes youngsters with disabilities on an adventure holiday each year needs another £12,000 if this year's trip is to go ahead.

The Rowdy Bunch, a club based in the Park Youth Centre, is making an urgent appeal for funds so 22 youngsters can visit a specially adapted outward-bound centre called the Calvert Trust in Devon.

The group has already raised £10,000 through fundraising activities but needs to raise the rest of the money before August.

The trip, which lasts a week, is the highlight of the club's year and aims to boost youngsters' confidence by getting them to try extreme activities, such as abseiling and rock climbing.

Set up in 1997, the club for 12-23-year-olds meets every Friday night and is run by trained volunteers.

Jackie Dove, youth leader of the Rowdy Bunch, said: "It is often the first time the youngsters have been away from home but they always come back having enjoyed it.

"The trip allows parents to have a week of respite. Some of the young people need a lot of attention, which is quite demanding. The week lets parents have a break and recharge their batteries."

The holiday costs £430 per person for both the young people and volunteers. For supervision purposes each youngster needs to be accompanied by a volunteer and some of the children need two volunteers to assist with lifting.

It is not the first time the club faced the threat of having to cancel the annual trip.

Two years ago volunteers feared a mix-up over a grant application would mean youngsters would not be able to go ahead, but eventually sufficient funds were raised.

The club is holding a fundraising quiz night on Saturday at the Wanborough Community Centre at 7.30pm. Entry costs £5 for teams of four.

Members of the Rowdy Bunch and their parents have called on individuals or firms to make a donation to ensure the trip goes ahead.

The club is hugely popular, with waiting list of 16 people wanting to join the club despite having a capacity of just 30.

Jackie Clifton, 40, a credit controller from Freshbrook, whose son Luke attends the club, said: "Luke has been on two annual breaks with them, to Exmouth and the Lake District, and he loved them both.

"It has given him a bit of independence from the family and built up his confidence, he does seem happier when he comes back.

"Luke has enjoyed a great experience and I don't want other families to miss out on it."

Luke, 14, a pupil at Crowdy's Hill School said: "I enjoyed the rock climbing and the swimming most, and I would feel disappointed if it was cancelled.

"It was good to get away from my family, that was the best thing, it felt grown up."

Pat Guy, 41, a checkout assistant from Walcot hopes her son Steven will get the chance to go on one of the trips next year.

She said: "Steven was on the waiting list and only joined the club a couple of months ago, but I would love him to be able to go next year.

"It gives our children the chance to do the things all young people do, and on the annual break they do things such as paragliding which they will never forget."

If a business or individual would like to make a donation call Jackie on 07919637085.