A Cheltenham-based charity has had a number of essential powerchairs vandalised, meaning they are currently out of action for the adults and children who use them.

Goals Beyond Grass aims to enhance the lives of people with a physical or learning disability through Powerchair Football, one of the most inclusive sports in the world and the powerchairs are essential. The vandalism means that school children, people in retirement homes and adults with learning disabilities will now be unable to play a sport which allows them to participate in a team environment and build their self-esteem.

The charity is also very upset due to the hard work put into fundraising for the chairs. Many people gave up hours of their free time and hard-earned money to help purchase the essential specialist equipment, which allows people who are often excluded from sport and being in a team to take part.

This incident took place at GL1 Leisure Centre in Gloucester, where the chairs have been stored for the the last two years. GL1 have been a great support to GBG, storing the powerchairs free of charge.

One of Goals Beyond Grass' main sponsors, DC&M, has assessed the damage caused and have agreed to repair a number of the chairs free of charge. A number of local people have also got in touch to offer money and their own resources to help get Goals Beyond Grass get up and running again.

But GBG still needs to raise funds to repair the remaining chairs. Parts for the specialist powerchairs have to be bought from around the world. It is estimated that it will cost around £12,000 to fix them.

The Robins Trust at Cheltenham Town FC has started crowdfunding to help GBG raise the cash and have also donated £500 of the society's money. To support Goals Beyond Grass through this crowdfund click here .

If you have any alternative fundraising ideas, please contact brian@goalsbeyondgrass.co.uk .