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Appeal is a sparkling success – but it doesn't stop there

The Colchester Evening Gazette has reached its £20,000 target to help bring a touch of sparkle to the lives of children in Essex – and has immediately set itself another target, to help even more children in the area.

In August last year the newspaper launched the Sparkle Appeal to raise money to create a sensory unit in the children’s ward at Colchester General Hospital.

And now enough cash has been raised to buy equipment to kit out a sensory room in a disused bathroom in the children’s ward.

Designed to stimulate young people with special needs, the room will include fibreoptic curtain cascades, light-filled bubble tubes, an overhead projector, light panels, noise cushions and textured walls.

Gazette editor Irene Kettle said: “I’m delighted we have completed this wonderful appeal and thank everyone who has helped us make it possible.

“In just a matter of months, we have achieved something that can be used by children for many years to come.”

Now with the success of the campaign, the paper has now set out to raise another £25,000 – this time to build an indoor riding school for the disabled.

Tendring Trust for the Disabled runs lessons for youngsters and adults at Foot’s Farm in Clacton, but at the moment it only has outdoor facilities, which means the sessions have to be stopped during bad weather.

An indoor school would mean riding would be available all year-round and more disabled people could benefit.

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