A charity that looks to create an age-friendly community, has had a huge boost to funds, with the help of a globally known band.

Prizes including a Fender guitar signed by all members of the band Coldplay, a Fortnum & Mason’s hamper and a five-star weekend in London, saw The Rainbow Foundation’s Festive Fundraiser raffle raised an impressive £10,730, through a combination of raffle ticket sales and private donations.

These vital funds will support The Rainbow Foundation as they open a third day opportunities service in Chirk, launching on Monday, February 14.

Chief executive officer, Caroline Tudor-James said: “As an active ageing charity, we have worked relentlessly throughout the pandemic to support older people, particularly those with dementia and multiple disabilities to stay living in their rural communities and address the wider determinants of ill health.

"When other services closed their doors, we kept going, but our work is not done!

"Winter is particularly hard time of year for older people within our communities, especially with energy prices on the rise.

"By expanding our day opportunities and home care services into the Chirk area, not only will we be able to enable even more people to live independently for longer but a high-quality care service in the community and at home will help reduce the winter pressures faced by our overstretched NHS.”

Operational manager Geraldine Vaughan added: "We are incredibly excited to be bringing our award-winning day opportunities service to Chirk.

"Our mission is to help older people to retain their sense of worth, and to provide access to support, services and facilities that can empower people stay as independent as possible for as long as possible.

"This is why our day opportunities service focuses on enhancing and developing relationships while building self-confidence and working to combat loneliness and isolation.

"Staying active, eating socially and social contact with peers through our care hubs, can have a real positive impact on both health and wellbeing.”

Operating out of Chirk Parish Hall, the service will initially run on a Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday each week, moving to five days a week once the service is fully established.

The charity will be able to support clients with transport if required. You can find out more by contacting The Rainbow Foundation on 01948 830730 or visit therainbowfoundation.org.uk