by Claire Lomax Health Reporter A charity which plays a vital role in stimulating and educating thousands of children with disabilities and special needs across the Bradford district has been saved from closure thanks to a last minute donation of £25,000. The money from the Sovereign Health Care Charitable Trust is a lifeline for Bradford Toy Library at St Luke’s Hospital, which was facing a funding shortfall. It will cover the library’s running costs for a year and allow the experienced team to remain in place and continue to develop its unique service. Established more than 20 years ago, Bradford Toy Library provides specialist toys and play equipment to children with special needs. Based in the child development centre at St Luke’s, it helps more than 500 individuals across Bradford as well as providing support to 30 schools, nurseries and community centres via its outreach program. In addition to loaning toys and play equipment, it also organises events and days out. Emma Fawcett, co-ordinator at Bradford Toy Library, said: “It’s still sinking in; the donation has secured the library’s future for the next year which is amazing. “This donation ensures that we can keep going and help hundreds more. “We’ve got lots that we want to achieve and we’d love to hear from other businesses in the area that would like to work with us to reach these goals.” Russ Piper, Sovereign Health Care chief executive said: “We’ve supported Bradford Toy Library over the last ten years and are delighted to make this donation. “The charity does a fantastic job and its positive impact on the children, families and carers that it helps is invaluable. “Sovereign Health Care is proud of its long history of charitable giving through The Sovereign Health Care Charitable Trust. “Over the past six years we have donated in excess of £3.5 million to community and health related charities. ” In 2004 generous T&A readers raised £40,000 for the toy library through the Telegraph & Argus Save Our Play Appeal. The total included a £5,000 donation from Gannett, the US owners of the Telegraph & Argus owners Newsquest. e-mail: claire.lomax @telegraphandargus.co.uk