A CHARITY which provides respite breaks for seriously-ill children and their families is seeking public support as it bids to secure thousands of pounds in donations in order to gain match funding.

Sebastian’s Action Trust is calling on the public to give generously as part of The Big Give Christmas Challenge, which could raise £48,000 for the charity.

On December 6, 7 and 8, the trust, which runs The Bluebells holiday home, in North Waltham, above, and recently won a Pride of Britain Award for its work, needs to secure £24,000 in online donations. This could then be matched with £12,000 from The Big Give and £12,000 from a trust supporter, which has already pledged to give the money.

But match funding is limited each day, so donors need to pledge early for the money to be doubled.

The challenge is being run by The Big Give, which operates a wide variety of programmes to help charities raise funds while also enabling donors to increase the impact of their donations.

Jacqui Chapman, fundraising manager for Sebastian’s Action Trust, said: “This is a great opportunity for Sebastian’s Action Trust to secure vital funds.

“We hope that anyone who might want to make a charitable Christmas donation will take this opportunity to donate what they can and hopefully get it matched by the scheme, which means their gesture will make an even greater difference to the trust.

“All donations, however big or small, would be incredibly gratefully received and will go directly to the trust’s work in supporting families with seriously-ill children.

“We know what a big difference the respite breaks and support we give to families make, and this money would enable us to help more families and to make a little brighter for their brave children.”

Anyone wishing to donate should visit sebastiansactiontrust.org from 10am on December 6 through to December 8 and following the Big Give link.