Rosie's Rainbow Fund awarded grant to help special needs children

The Louis Baylis (Maidenhead Advertiser) Charitable Trust donates thousands of pounds every year to charities and organisations that benefit people living in Maidenhead and the surrounding area.

One of the latest recipients is Rosie's Rainbow Fund, which was awarded a grant of £5,000.

The charity was set up in 2003 in memory of Rosie Mayling, who died at the age of 11 from vasculitis, a rare disease that affects blood vessels.

During her hospital treatment, Rosie expressed a wish to raise money to help other children undergoing lengthy hospital stays.

The charity was founded by her parents after they identified the need to support children and families in distressing circumstances .

The fund plan to use the money to fund its music therapy work with special needs children, designed to transport them away from the fear and boredom of hospital stays and procedures.

Rosie had a love of the performing arts and attended Redroofs Theatre School in Maidenhead, which was founded by her grandmother and is owned and run by her family.

Carolyn Mayling, chairwoman and founder of the charity said: "Rosie’s Rainbow Fund was delighted to receive a £5,000 grant from the trust for its music therapy work with children with special needs.

"We mark our 10th year of operation this year and like many charities we are working hard to generate funds in increasingly difficult economic circumstances."

She added: "Support such as this enables us to continue to look after families who are experiencing the overwhelming challenges of serious illness, disability and bereavement.

"It can be an extremely lonely and stressful time spending months in hospital, and extensive support for the whole family is needed."

Visit www.rosiesrainbowfund.co.uk to find out more about the fund and its work.