A recession-hit charity is calling on the public not to forget the needs of disabled and terminally ill children in Bradford as the credit crunch hits people’s pockets and the ability to give.

The Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children has long helped hundreds of children and families across Yorkshire, but plans to hold a celebration to start a dedicated appeal for the county has been hit by the recession.

Sheila Brown, Newlife’s chief executive officer, said: “We are saddened that our event plans have had to be cancelled. Our honoured guest Dr Ingrid Roscoe, Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, had agreed to support our appeal and attend the event.

“Newlife funds vital equipment such as wheelchairs, pain relieving beds, postural seating, safety equipment and commutations aids for disabled children across the UK.

“The plans for a dedicated Yorkshire appeal have been set back by the current economic climate, but the needs of the disabled and terminally ill children we help are too important and too urgent for us to stop persevering. Therefore the appeal will go ahead regardless and we will endeavour to raise as much as we can for children that desperately need our help.

“We know that Yorkshire people like to help their own local children, so anyone that can assist us to help children in the local area currently waiting for essential equipment can do so by supporting the Newlife Yorkshire appeal.

“Unlike many other charities, 100 per cent of all funds donated or raised will help a Yorkshire child, and we have many children within the area waiting right now.”

Four-and-a-half-year-old Adam Pervez’s family, who live in Rossefield Road, Heaton, Bradford, is one of those facing increasing financial pressure as they struggle to fund essential equipment.

Adam has autism and possible ADHD alongside challenging behavioural and learning difficulties, and the family has turned to Newlife to fund a special safety harness that can be used while travelling in the car, as well as in his special buggy, enabling him to go on outings with his family in safety.

His mother Yasmeen Akhter said: “Financially, we are under a strain. The NHS cannot help us as they have limited budgets so charities such as Newlife are our final hope. “Adam is a danger to himself and others when travelling in the car as he is currently able to get out of his restraints; we have had some near misses but if we can get this new harness, he will be able to travel safely with us as a family. It would change our lives by giving us independence.”

She added: “Adam attends Canterbury Children’s Centre and I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has worked with Adam – I am so grateful for the support they have given him.”

Anyone who can help make a brighter new year for Adam, or another disabled child in Yorkshire, can contact Neil Preston on 07974 709 396 or e-mail through the charity’s website, www.newlifecharity.co.uk.