Calls to Newlife in Cannock surge in one year

More volunteers are needed at a Cannock-based charity which has been besieged by calls from families struggling to provide vital equipment for their children.

Calls to Newlife have rocketed by 73 per cent in the past year, with staff handling an average of 300 appeals for help a week.

The charity in Hemlock Way, provides specialist equipment for poorly and disabled youngsters.

Spokeswoman Jane Vincent said:?"Some of the calls we've received have been heart-rending - we are a last resort for many people who cannot get help from local authorities or PCTs,"

It has also launched a campaign with an appeal for help to buy a £7,500 wheelchair for 10-year-old Burntwood boy Robert Corbett.

In the past year Newlife has awarded £591,298 in equipment grants to children across Staffordshire.