A CHARITY which provides wheelchairs for disabled children is thanking dedicated volunteers for their work in the borough — and calling for new faces to get involved.

Whizz-Kidz, which funds mobility equipment, wheelchair skills training, youth clubs and work placements, is holding a volunteering awareness week from Monday.

Last year, volunteers raised £4,500 and staff hope 2014 will be even more successful.

A Bury youngster is currently on the Whizz-Kidz waiting list for mobility equipment — so anyone who chooses to fundraising for the charity will be helping a cause close to home.

Whizz-Kidz volunteer manager, Diana Langford, said: “There are a variety of ways in which people can get involved with Whizz-Kidz, including store and street collecting, volunteering in schools, and supporting young people at fun clubs, camps and wheelchair skills sessions.

“All of these opportunities help us support thousands of disabled youngsters each year get the freedom they need to lead active childhoods.

“Becoming a Whizz-Kidz volunteer can also build confidence and self-esteem - making a difference and making new friends whilst improving career opportunities.”

In December, Lauren Warwick, from Whitefield, held a Winter Wonderland fundraiser at Radcliffe Borough FC for Whizz-Kidz.

Lauren raised £924 on behalf of her brother Dean, who lives in Radcliffe and lost the use of his legs several years ago after being diagnosed with snapping hip syndrome.

Volunteer Geoff Madeley, distributes collection tins for the charity in Bury and has supported Whizz-Kidz for more than 20 years — raising £1,300 last year.

Regional fundraiser Emma Jones said: “Without people like Geoff we simply cannot deliver all of the skills clubs or run schemes that support young disabled people with the freedom to just be kids.”

For more information: go to whizz-kidz.org.uk/getinvolved/ or contact Emma on e.jones@whizz-kidz.org.uk or 07879774767.