THREE hundred disadvantaged children from across the region will enjoy a festive treat this Christmas thanks to a group of Cheshire business women.

The 20/20 Network, a forum for business women in Cheshire, has presented a cheque for £4,000 to the Children’s charity CAFT (the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust). Every year, 20/20 members donate 50 per cent of their monthly membership subscription to CAFT.

Chair of the 20/20 Network, Catherine Sandland, made the donation at its annual Open Networking event last month.

Catherine said: “We were delighted to present another cheque to CAFT this year, which will bring so much happiness to so many children who, for many reasons, have very difficult lives.

“Our networking group is not-for-profit which enables us, as local women running our own businesses, to give something back to the communities in which we work and we all feel that is incredibly important.”

The money will be used to fund two special Christmas parties. In December, members of the group will also spend a day at CAFT wrapping presents for the children.

Last year, the 20/20 Network bought six pygmy goats for CAFT and sponsored two reindeer for the Christmas parties.

Pippa Watton, Events Fundraiser at CAFT, said: “As a small charity, building relationships with local businesses is really important and the 20/20 Network has been a really valuable source of support for many years now.

“Their regular donations enable us to enrich the lives of terminally ill, disabled and disadvantaged children from all over the North West. We are incredibly grateful to them for their continued support and will always put their donations to very good use here at the farm.”

The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust is based in Millington near Altrincham