THE two children of the man who helped start a children's charity have joined the cause as patrons, 10 years since their dad passed away.

Brother and sister team Joe and Amy Grundy are following in dad Tim's footsteps by helping the Children's Adventure Farm Trust cater for disabled and disadvantaged children across the north west.

Back in the 1980s Tim initiated and was at the forefront of a fundraising appeal for CAFT, enabling the charity to purchase its Millington base outright.

Since 1992, the charity has offered holidays, day trips and parties for ill, disabled and disadvantaged children.

Amy and Joe grew up with the charity and kept in contact after Tim died in 2009. In February this year, they made a special visit 10th anniversary visit, at which point the charity proposed to formally recognise the relationship.

Chief executive Ian Eccles said: “We were so honoured that Amy and Joe accepted our invitation to officially join our Farm Family.

"Without Tim our charity would never have existed, it’s thanks to him that we’ve been able to change the lives of tens of thousands of amazing children.

"To have Amy and Joe on board as patrons means the world to us, and we know Tim would be so proud to know that his legacy is continuing through his wonderful children.”

Life coach Amy and recruitment consultant Joe said: “It’s a privilege and honour for us both to be asked to become patrons for CAFT. "The farm has always held a special place in our hearts. We’d both like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff, both past and present for their dedication in continually striving towards making our Dad’s dream a reality.

"We know how proud he would have been seeing how CAFT has grown and the number of local children it’s helped.”

The charity has recently launched a new-look logo and website, with CAFT patron Curtis Jobling – designer of Bob the Builder – lending a hand and giving mascot ‘Bobby’ a new look as well as a new friend, ‘Rosie’.

Amy and Joe join an esteemed list of patrons at CAFT, including comedians John Bishop and Jason Manford and rock legend Noddy Holder.

CAFT’s President Sir Bobby Charlton has also been joined as a member of the Farm Family by his wife, Lady Norma who has become a patron.

caft.co.uk