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Cheshire Buddies children's charity to close after 22 years
Overview
The Cheshire Buddies charity in Crewe, which provides activity clubs and residential breaks for disabled children and their families, is set to close in December after 22 years of operation. Founder Stephanie Lawley cited a combination of factors, including the cost-of-living crisis, rising fuel and activity costs, and a lack of successful funding bids, which have exhausted the charity's savings and made it unsustainable.
Key points
- Cheshire Buddies will close in December due to financial pressures and funding difficulties after 22 years in operation.
- The charity supports more than 80 children by running six clubs a week, offering activities such as canoeing and excursions.
- Founder Stephanie Lawley highlighted the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, including rising fuel costs for their accessible minibus and increasing staffing expenses.
- Unsuccessful funding bids and overwhelming demand across the sector contributed to the decision to shut down.
- Staff and families have expressed devastation over the closure, with parents praising the charity for fostering independence and creating lifelong memories.