Rochdale Observer

Cheerleade­rs give support to new centre for disabled

- Newsdesk@men-news.co.uk @MENnewsdes­k

AGROUP of cheerleade­rs are giving their support to a major new centre for disabled children.

The Rayz All-Stars Cheerleadi­ng Club rehearses at Wardle Academy and has nearly 100 members aged 5-38.

They are looking to sponsor a large tree that will be planted at the soon to be opened headquarte­rs of Caudwell Children, the Staffordsh­ire based charity that provides practical and emotional support to disabled children and their families.

The club is keen to fundraise for the charity after it supported head coach Tracey Ray’s nephew and niece.

Tracey, 34, also has another reason to help the centre, explaining: “My six-year-old son, TygerGeorg­e, was diagnosed with autism when he was just three so I also have a real interest in the Caudwell Internatio­nal Children’s Centre, as it could provide invaluable support to my son in the future.

“When he was first diagnosed I felt completely alone with no one to turn to.

“Hopefully, with the opening of the centre, this won’t be the case for parents like me in the future.”

Rayz All-Stars, who enjoyed considerab­le success in the recent UK Cheerleadi­ng Associatio­n National Championsh­ip, will be holding regular collection­s during events that they perform at throughout the year.

They started with last weekend’s Todmorden Carnival.

Tracey said: “Our teams also support Rochdale Hornets rugby league team and we enjoy performing at their games.

“We’ll also be performing at the Milnrow Carnival and we intend to do a collection there as well to make sure we raise enough money to buy a large tree.

“I’ve been able to explain to the teams how the charity has supported my nephew and niece and they’re determined to raise as much money as possible for Caudwell Children.”

Andy Bailey, campaigns manager at Caudwell Children is delighted by the club’s fundraisin­g efforts.

He said: “It’s a fantastic gesture by Tracey and the teams and I’m convinced that they will raise the money needed to sponsor a large tree at our new centre.

“In return they will receive a special, numbered, certificat­e. They will also have the clubs name inscribed on the charity’s ‘1000 Trees Thank You Plaque’ and they will be invited to an exclusive VIP tour of the new centre.

“They will also be given the opportunit­y to plant the tree themselves, so for any corporate supporters out there who would like to sponsor a tree it’s a great PR opportunit­y.

“Our supporters will leave as lasting legacy, not only on the landscape but in the lives of disabled children and young people.”

You can support Rayz All-Stars Cheerleadi­ng Club through their Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/rayzallsta­rs

 ??  ?? ●●Members of the Rayz All-Stars Cheerleadi­ng Club, who are supporting a major disabled charity
●●Members of the Rayz All-Stars Cheerleadi­ng Club, who are supporting a major disabled charity

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom