Family Fund’s charity appeal on BBC Radio 4

Ken Bruce presented our appeal on BBC Radio 4, to raise funds towards life-changing grants for disabled and seriously ill young adults.

A man with glasses who is smiling stood against a pink background

The appeal, which closed on Sunday 16 February, raised funds to support Your Opportunity, our grant programme dedicated to enhancing the lives of disabled and seriously ill young adults aged 18 to 24.

Donations made now, outside of the appeal period, continue to make a difference to families in need.

Why donate?

With personal experience of caring for a disabled young adult, Ken and his wife Kerith are parents to Murray, who is autistic and has apraxia.

“I know just how much support [disabled] young adults need from the time they’ve finished formal education up until they’re able to perhaps look after themselves a little bit more,” Ken said. “It’s a very difficult time and lots need support.”

Fifty thousand disabled and seriously ill young adults live in poverty. Families are striving to meet their basic needs and cover caring costs of over £1,000 a month.

When young disabled adults turn 18, support drops by 57%. There are fewer specialist education and accessible social activities, and financial support often falls. Families feel abandoned – left to cope unsupported.

24 year old Amy, who received a grant from Your Opportunity. This year supported by the Family Fund appeal on BBC Radio 4 — 24-year-old Amy, who has Coffin-Lowry syndrome, received support through the Your Opportunity grant programme.

Family Fund’s Your Opportunity programme grants essential items that enhance young people’s lives, building a pathway to a positive future.

Whether it’s a laptop for learning and communication, adapted equipment to boost independence or specialist clubs and activities to have fun and socialise.

Because every young person’s opportunities should be the same.

Your support could help provide:

£10 for a book for learning
£50 towards three months’ membership for a local club – so a young adult can socialise and develop skills
£100 could help fund a lightweight wheelchair – so a young person can enjoy more independence.

Cheryl Ward CBE, Group CEO of Family Fund, said:

“We are incredibly grateful to Ken for his heartfelt support of our charity and the countless UK families we serve. His personal dedication, along with the unwavering generosity of our long-standing partners, McCain UK, who provided match funding for Family Fund’s appeal on Radio 4, help us create real impact at a time when the needs of families outstrip the funding we have.

“Every donation brings life-changing support to young disabled adults, empowering them with the independence, opportunities and confidence they deserve. Whether it’s funding essential equipment, opening doors to education, or creating social connections, every pound makes a difference.”

Match funding boost from McCain

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our flagship corporate partner, McCain, donations made during the appeal period could have double the impact! The company pledged to match the first thirty thousand pounds of donations raised to support our Your Opportunity programme.

McCain has supported Family Fund since 2020. They’ve donated £2milllion so far – providing grants to help make mealtimes easier for families raising disabled or seriously ill children across the UK.

Donate today