A CHARITY which helps care for disabled children has been handed a cash boost in the run-up to Christmas.

Flexicare received a £400 donation from the Woodstock-based Aelfric Lodge Benevolent Fund.

The donation comes on top of a £6,000 grant over three years that the charity receives from the Masonic Charitable Foundation.

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The charity’s manager, Katherine Boyce, said: “The Masons have given us fantastic support, including inviting children to the pantomime at Oxford Playhouse which sadly isn’t happening this year.

“The Covid crisis has definitely increased the isolation of families with disabled children, as some families have to shield and after so much time spent at home, children often can’t cope with any change of routine.

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“Many of our volunteers are also having to shield, but these donations will help us reach out more to help families.

“We also need more volunteers, and although common sense and a caring nature are the main criteria, we do provide full training. A background in nursing or special needs schooling is helpful, but not essential.”

Flexicare has about 50 families on its books, with a team of three part-time staff and 18 trained volunteers.