A HAMPSHIRE charity has launched a fresh fundraising drive as it looks to build and kit out a centre for disabled youngsters.

Smile Support and Care, based in Eastleigh, urgently needs cash to finish the construction of a centre offering short breaks to disabled children and young adults as well as their families.

As previously reported, building work is already under way on the £3.4m project in Waterlooville.

But organisers need more money as well as further donations to help buy items such as toys, cushions, computers and furniture for the centre.

Now they have launched their Missing Piece Appeal in a bid to finish the job.

Smile chairman Steven Clarke said: “The aim of the centre is to offer breaks to disabled children and young adults, as well as providing them and their families with a place to enjoy precious time together.

“Most people tend to take short breaks for granted, but when there is a child in the family requiring specialist care and attention, this is not easily arranged and can be unaffordable.”

With all the amenities of a small hotel, the centre will feature eight en-suite bedrooms, two family apartments, a restaurant-style dining room, state-ofthe- art sensory room, physiotherapy and treatment room, specially planted gardens to encourage sensory stimulation and a safe play area with specialist equipment. To find out ways of supporting Smile or to take part in planned events such as a skydive and the Great South Run call 023 8061 6215 or email jess.zubaidi@smilesupport.org.uk