FROM?LEFT?TO?RIGHT: Masons Patrick Marshall and Noel Voice with residents Helen Armstrong and Alison Swade

A £600 donation has helped kick start a £12,000 fundraising drive for children and adults with severe learning difficulties in Liss.

The welcome gift by Petersfield Freemasons will go towards buying an activities cabin at the FitzRoy Whitegates View Care Home.

Whitegates, in Farnham Road, is home to 20 residents with learning difficulties.

Freemason Noel Voice said: “The cabin will be used for social and outdoor activities, and we are very pleased to be able to contribute toward this project.”

FitzRoy spokesman Jim Apted said the wooden cabin would greatly enhance residents’ lives.

He said: “It is a very generous donation, and has given the project real momentum.

“Without donations like this, it would be a real struggle to provide extra facilities, and we are very grateful.

“Three of our staff are doing a sponsored parachute jump this summer to help raise money.”

Residents live in three purpose-built houses, and a specially renovated cottage next door. The new complex opened in 2013.

Mr Apted said: “If they want some quiet time with visitors, the only place they can really go is their bedrooms, which is fine, but it would be great for them to have a space away from other residents.

“And if they want to do something noisy, like play music, or hold a social event, they can in the cabin.

“It will make such a difference to their lives.”

It is hoped that the activities cabin will be delivered before October.

Petersfield landscape contractors and tree surgeons DG Greenworks has offered to sponsor volunteers from Petersfield Rugby Club to put up the building.

For more information, or to donate to the project, contact FitzRoy on 01730 711111, or e-mail [email protected]