The Mercury’s 2016 Charity of the Year Pegasus Playscheme has a number of events lined up over the next 12 months including a Pearl Prom to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

The service based in Dover provides support for children with a variety of severe and complex disabilities such as autism, Down’s syndrome and cerebral palsy.

It was chosen from 15 entries by the Mercury team and receives the baton from PSA Kent.

The charity is dedicated to providing an annual summer school for five to 25-year-olds, as well as running a regular youth forum group for 18 to 30-year-olds.

Following the youth forum’s Christmas party at the Brewers Fayre, by the Duke of York’s roundabout in Dover, on Wednesday, the countdown to the year ahead has begun.

Chairman Sue Clark, whose son Jamie has Down’s syndrome, said: “As a committee we all decided to do our very best once again to enable us to reach our 30th year, but without the money we cannot do it.”

The charity has to raise £70,000 each year and relies of grants and fundraising. To help them do that in 2016 they have already recruited some support.

Kerry Slade from Deal, whose son Mitchell has autism, is taking part in the Boxing Day Dip. Former volunteer Natasha Cloke, whose cousin Bradley has Down’s syndrome, is running the London Marathon for Pegasus. Volunteer Scarlet Issacson is taking on the Brighton Marathon for them.

Money raised will go towards delivering the main event, which this year, like every year, will see the volunteers assist the children and young adults on day trips including to Dover Sea Safari and Howletts and activities including swimming, horse riding and playing golf, every weekday for three weeks.

However, to mark the charity’s 30th anniversary, this year the scheme will culminate with a Pearl Prom, which will be a fundraiser. It will be on Friday, August 12 at Dover Town Hall.

Mrs Clark said: “It will be on the last day of the playscheme and we would like to invite anybody who has been involved with Pegasus over the years.”

Tickets will be given out on a first come first served basis and are now available by email at pegasus1986@btinternet.com

Find out more at www.pegasusplayscheme.btik.com.

Like them at facebook.com/pegasusplayscheme/ or follow them on Twitter @SuePegasus