It was around last year when things began to unravel. The Public Accounts Committee, for better or worse, shone its light on how charities were spending their cash. We don’t have to go into gory details but those who needed the cash were bottom of the list.

The revelations could not have come at a worse time for adults and children dependent on services provided by ‘arms length’ groups who raised charitable funds. These groups were also affected by knock-on cuts to their services caused by government austerity policies.

It was a perfect storm.

Groups like The Wheel have shown how these cuts sent the overall charity take-in into a tail spin during the Christmas period last year, and donations have never really recovered. But we have never really heard how individuals have been caught up in the storm.

Let me change that and tell you about Poppy and her Mum and Dad. I’ve mentioned them before here.

Poppy turned eight yesterday, her name a tribute to the armistice of World War I. Her mother paid a lovely tribute to Poppy with these words on Facebook.

At 11 on 11th of the 11th, our 'silly baby' decided to arrive two weeks early. Forever grateful to our stellar neighbour, Phylis took off Rosie and spoilt her rotten. She tottered into the hospital later complete with tiara and heels.
The exact opposite weight as her sister (6:8/8:6) Poppy was a small, quiet fairy child. Overtime her difference became obvious and she took our lives off on an unexpected direction where we have met the best and worst. My co-pilot and I have been buffeted about a bit.
However I make the same wish I make for her and will make every year of my life,
I wish that the world treats our Poppy flower with the kindness, warmth and love she deserves.

Poppy has gone from a 6lb8oz newborn to an eight year-old who now weighs 29kg and attends school daily. With that weight, poppy is getting a bit too heavy to lift in and out of a car.

As she gets older, the problem will get bigger.

There is a solution: a car where Poppy’s wheelchair could be simply wheeled into.

This costs money.

Unfortunately, there are no grants or tax-breaks for Poppy’s mum and dad to call upon. They have to fund the car themselves. The good news is they have the knowledge to use creative ways to raise funds.

On Saturday 22^nd November a charity comedy night will be held in Wheelans to raise funds for both Poppy and her school. The fact that parents have to fundraise for summer camps is sad but it does offer us hope.

They are ignoring the fat cats who nearly ruined institutions they were trying to raise funds for. Parents are taking power back into their hands and ensuring funds raised are going to where it is supposed to go.

Go on, you deserve a night out and a bit of a laugh. Pay a visit to Poppy’s Wheels on Saturday week.