THE founder of a dance charity has warned that without regular funding, her years spent helping people with learning disabilities may come to a premature end.

Artistic director Avril Hitman started Magpie Dance 23 years ago, helping people gain confidence and dance skills in a 45-minute dance class each week at the Astley Centre in Magpie Hall Lane, Bromley.

Two decades on, the over-subscribed classes help around 80 adults and young people every single week, with over 200 scheduled sessions each year.

Mrs Hitman said: “What we want is for the charity to be sustainable into the future so that there will be a Magpie here for people who need us.

“It’s been going more than 20 years and we want to make sure it is going to be providing opportunities well into the future for more people with learning disabilities.

“The main thing is getting some sort of financial stability for Magpie, which is important if we are to go on developing what we do.

“The charity has to raise around £250,000 every year and none of that is regular funding. It is quite a challenge.”

As part of our Help Magpie Fly campaign, News Shopper is helping to raise £100,000 for the charity helping people from across south-east London and north Kent.

“I very much see Magpie as an opportunity to open doors for people, to help realize their potential” Mrs Hitman said.

“The creative arts are vital and are a medium for people to get involved.

“It’s a way to channel creative ideas while developing skills.”

The mum-of-two from Chislehurst added: “If you find communicating difficult then dance is a fantastic medium because it doesn’t rely on verbal communication - it relies on you as a person.”

The idea for Magpie Dance came about after Mrs Hitman who had previously taught dance for 12 years, shadowed well-respected practitioner Wolfgang Stange who founded AMICI Dance Company in west London.

“I knew after taking part in the session that I wanted to work with people with learning disabilities”, Mrs Hitman said.

How to donate

Our Help Magpie Fly campaign is hoping to raise £100,000 to help Magpie Dance keep supporting 150 keen dancers with learning disabilities.

Every little helps and every penny raised will go to Magpie so the charity can continue its valuable community service.

Send your donations to Help Magpie Fly, News Shopper, Mega House, Crest View Drive, Petts Wood, BR5 1BT.

Cheques should be made payable to Magpie Dance. If you want more details about the charity or want to volunteer call 020 8290 6633 or visit magpiedance.org.uk.