A CHARITY is calling for people to sign up for a sponsored walk so it can continue supporting “the most vulnerable members of the community” despite fierce funding cuts.

ELHAP’s adventure playground and community centre in Woodford Bridge supports children and young people with disabilities and challenging behaviour throughout north east London and Essex.

Boasting the largest outdoor play centre of its kind in London, ELHAP encourages learning through adventure play.

But in light of council funding cuts, the managers at the centre in Roding Lane North are calling on the community to support them by signing up for their sponsored walk.

Manager Rob Dighton said: “On September 3 we are throwing our doors open to the local community and we want as many people as possible to take part in the walk so they can experience the magic of ELHAP.

“We support some of the most vulnerable people in our area and we can only continue doing that with the support of the public.”

The sponsored walk will bring together centre users, staff, volunteers and other members of the community to help spread ELHAP’s message and raise money to maintain its facilities.

Walkers will have the choice of a 4.5-kilometre route or a shorter 1.5 one, which are both wheelchair and pushchair friendly and circle round the woods in Claybury Park.

The walk is being supported by star of The Only Way Is Essex Lydia Bright, whose mother Debbie has described ELHAP as her “rock” after supporting her through fostering more than 200 children over 20 years.

TV star Lydia said: “ELHAP is a lifeline for kids with disabilities and difficult behaviour – I’ve seen the difference its made for myself with my foster brother.

“Walk for ELHAP is a chance for people to get involved and give their support.”

When walkers get back to the centre there will be a fun day, BBQ and even a police motorbike drive by.

To sign up and be there for the start of the walk at 11am on September 3, visit www.elhap.org.uk/get-involved.