A KIDDERMINSTER charity has hailed its first disability awareness week a huge success after raising much-needed cash for services.

Crackerjacks Children’s Trust held a number of events across the community to raise funds and awareness of the charity during the week last month.

This culminated in a special day in Kidderminster, outside the Town Hall, on May 26 that saw Mayor Martin Stooke, members of Young Gloves Karate dressed as Disney characters and the police support the charity, which supports children with disabilities by providing specialist equipment and respite breaks.

And their efforts saw more than £400 raised on the day. Further money was raised by Young Gloves hosting a ‘blind karate day’ schools holding awareness activities and a football tournament at Stourport Swifts.

The week was also backed by Kidderminster golden girl Claire Cashmore MBE.

Terry Bull, Crackerjacks CEO, said: “The local community came down to see us all and had some photographs taken with Elsa, Olaf, The Mario Brothers, Mickey and Minnie Mouse and our very own Mascot Deefer the Disability Dog.

“Music was provided by Big D’s Disco with members of the public and Kidderminster Mayor Cllr Stooke joining in and having a dance outside the Town Hall.

“One hundred percent of all donations from the week will go directly to the cause. Everyone has been very supportive and responded so positively to our campaign, with a special mention to the Kidderminster Mayor who was very generous with his time.

“We will definitely be back next year with even more events that the community will be able to get involved with. I would like to thank all those who have taken part during the week and helped to make our first Disability Awareness Week a success.

“We totally rely on the goodwill and generosity of the general public as we do not receive any government funding.”

For more information on Crackerjacks Children’s Trust or respite breaks at the Holiday Home please go to www.crackerjacks.org.uk.