A crisis-hit Hampshire charity is calling on the public for a final push to help them raise more than £30,000 in less than a week.

The Rainbow Centre launched an urgent appeal last month to raise £150,000 in four weeks to keep its doors open.

But as its total creeps to £119,000 and donations slow down, the charity – which helps disabled people across the south – is calling on people to spread the word.

As previously reported, the centre said it needed to raise £150,000 or it would be forced to close its doors after the Easter bank holiday and put its staff on unpaid leave until more funding could be found.

The centre, in Fareham, had just about managed to raise the £47,500 a month it needs to keep running, but had no reserves.

Thanks to the amount raised so far the centre will be able to stay open until the end of May, but £30,000 is still needed to ensure its long-term future.

Lara Bull, centre director, said she was still hopeful they could hit the target in time.

The centre, in Palmerston Drive, uses a form of learning that develops new neurological pathways to undamaged parts of the brain.

It helps children with cerebral palsy, as well as adults with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, or those who have suffered a head injury or had a stroke.

Mrs Bull acknowledged that after the initial rush, when the charity was inundated with phone calls, emails and cheques, donations have dried up in the past few days.

However, she said she was still meeting people who were unaware of the centre’s appeal, despite a widespread campaign, so wants people to ensure friends and family are aware.

So far ten individuals have signed up to the Raindrops Regular Giving scheme, and seven companies to the 100 Club – giving a regular £100 a month, raising the charity’s sustainable giving by £1,425 a month.

Firms include Fareham-based Turbocam, which until the appeal been giving £750 a month, but has now agreed to give £1,500 for the next six months. But the charity is looking for more.

“If you have been thinking about donating, but haven’t got around to it please do it because it’s one chance to keep such an amazing charity going,” said Mrs Bull. “If you have donated spread the word.”

To donate call 01329 289500, visit rainbowcentre.org, text RBOW21 and your donation amount to 70070 or send a cheque payable to The Rainbow Centre to The Rainbow Centre, Bradbury Building, Palmerston Drive, Fareham PO14 1BJ.