A NURSERY in Stretton has raised more than £800 to help the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS).

Staff at Kids Planet Stretton in Tarporley Road held a Christmas fair in December to raise funds for the only patient-led charity in the UK specialising in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

With help from family and friends, the nursery raised £825 through a fun-filled day of raffle sales and stalls for a cause close to their hearts.

The NRAS charity works to support those living with incurable auto-immune diseases through their educational resources, informative website and community events as well as campaigning for improved access to services and treatments.

Nursery pre-school leader, Kim Russell, was keen to support the charity because her daughter was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis at 17 months old.

She said: "I’m ecstatic with the amount of money raised for this charity which is very close to my heart."

Clare Jacklin, deputy CEO at NRAS, said: "The parents, staff and children of Kids Planet Day Nursery should be incredibly proud of this amazing achievement in raising such a stellar amount for NRAS.

"Every single penny is gratefully received, and we can assure all those who supported the Christmas fair that their funds will truly go towards making a difference to the 400,000 adults with RA and 12,000 children with JIA in the UK.

"On behalf of all those we help I'd like to say a massive out-of-this-world thank you to all at Kids Planet!”

On receiving the cheque, Manchester ambassador Christine Lowe said: "We really appreciate this gift and want you to know how important it will be to those suffering from the disease by offering them support and help at a very difficult time in their lives.

This gift will change lives. Thank you so much."

For further information about Kids Planet Stretton, please email: stretton.manager@kidsplanetdaynurseries.co.uk.