A couple have raised thousands for charity after trekking up Mount Everest last year.

Fran and Eddie Edwards, from Prestwich visited The Fed’s Children's Centre at Heathlands Village recently to present a cheque in the sum of £16,056 which they had raised for The Fed's Project Smile Play and Learn Service.

The intrepid pair were sponsored by friends, family and colleagues to make a brutal trek last November to Everest Base Camp.

Director of fundraising, marketing and communications at the charity, Raphi Bloom, said: “We are deeply indebted to Fran and Eddie for their valiant efforts.

“We rely heavily on the goodwill of donors and people taking on challenges to fund our life-transforming work with people of all ages.

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“The work we do with children who come to our centre has a huge ripple effect – when a child has severe difficulties it can take its toll on the whole family.

“Not only does Project Smile help the child thrive and have fun but it gives parents an invaluable break, knowing they can switch off while their child is safely in our care, and give attention to their other children, spend time together as a couple or get on with preparing for Shabbat or other pressing matters.”

The service is for children aged five and over with additional needs and offers age and ability-appropriate activities and day trips which encourage them to achieve, acquire life skills and gain confidence.

It runs at the charity’s children’s centre and is staffed by play leaders and a support team with experience in looking after children with physical care needs or who have complex and challenging behavioural issues, due to conditions such as autism and ADHD.

It offers twice weekly Play and Learn groups and school holiday play camps and gives children priceless opportunities to make friends with others at the centre, while parents and families have a break from their caring roles.

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Attendance is subject to assessment. Funding may be available. In some circumstances the service is also offered to children in need for reasons not related to a disability or illness.

For further information about Project Smile and support for children and families please call 0161 772 4800 or email advice@thefed.org.uk.

If you too would like to take on a fundraising challenge The Fed, please contact Rochelle Broman on 0161 772 4800.