Gloucestershire children's charity, the Pied Piper Appeal, has launched its 30 Years campaign for 2022, thanks to support from over 30 local firms.

Many of the companies taking part in the year-long fundraising event, including Punchline-Gloucester.com, got together at Gloucester City FC this morning (December 12) to mark the occasion.

Over 30 local businesses have come together to form a 'supergroup' to raise money and celebrate 30 years of Pied Piper making a difference to sick and disabled children in Gloucestershire.

Julie Kent, vice-chair and campaign manager at Pied Piper Appeal, said: "After the recent tough times in the charity sector, we really appreciate your support to help the Pied Piper and sick and disabled children in the county. We are thrilled that so many companies signed up to this great cause, pledging to be part of a supergroup of 30 local and passionate firms, each raising £3,500 or more in 2022.

"Together we can have some fun and build momentum to aim for £100,000 during the year, which will be immense. Here at the Pied Piper office, the team and volunteers look forward to working with you on this exciting journey."

Nick Broady, chairman of Pied Piper Appeal, said: "We have so many deserving projects to finance and support, and with a hugely depleted income stream in the pandemic, we needed to turn up the efforts to support these bids across the county. It's great to share these projects with the 30+ businesses, to give their teams a challenge and real purpose in putting on fundraising events.

"We have a huge shopping list that covers activities for the hospitals, various SEND schools' developments, increased paediatric mental health services at GRH, and special Wish holidays for children with life-limiting illnesses. The £100,000 will go towards all these bids."

The trustees will also make a special award for the company that goes above and beyond in their fundraising.

Participating companies include: Allstone; Baylis; BNI Networking; Brace Creative; Brunsdon Financial; Brunsdon Insurance; Cheltenham College; Clockwork Components; Dee & Griffin; Elmrep; Freeman Events Partners; Gardner Garages; Glevum Gym; Gloucester Rugby; Griffith Marshall; HCR Law; HDA Financial Planners; Hemmingway Associates; Hooray Recruitment; John Lewis; Malvern Tyres; Marsh Insurance (Jelf); Midland Comms; Pin Point Media; Pulsin; Punchline-Gloucester.com; Quadrangle Cheltenham; Quayside; RHM Telecomms; SK Heating and Cooling; SmartComms; Starbucks; Steve Gooch EA; Team Performance; The Ivy; Truscott Jewellers; and Tru Green.

The Pied Piper Appeal was founded in 1992, headed up by Peter Hickman, to raise money to fund a new children's hospital for the county - which opened at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital in 2004.

Former chairman, Roger Head OBE, then moved the charity into areas involving raising money to supply equipment for the special schools in the county. Thanks to the generous people of Gloucestershire, the charity has raised millions to help local children.