40 mums attended a sell-out Big Birthday Appeal event on boosting children’s emotional resilience in an anxious world, hosted by Big Birthday mum Clare Spieler at her home in Broughton Park, to rasie money for Prestwich-based charity, The Fed.

Speaking at the event was Jane Silver, a Psychotherapist specialising in trauma, anxiety, stress and depression, and Suzy Glaskie, a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach. They shared practical tools on how to help children counter anxiety and regain the calm and resilience needed to cope with daily life. They also explained how lifestyle factors – such as a high-sugar diet and insufficient sleep – can directly contribute to mental disorders.

Raphi Bloom, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at The Fed, received a cheque for £15,000 from the Big Birthday team – the latest donation that the charity has raised for The Fed since it started up in 2001.

The Fed’s Chief Executive, Mark Cunningham said: “The loyal and generous support of the Big Birthday Appeal over the years has improved the lives of numerous children with additional needs, who use The Fed’s Children’s Centre at Heathlands Village.

We are delighted to receive this recent donation and thank everyone at Big Birthday for their continued efforts to fundraise on our behalf. This support means we can continue to be part of helping these children and young people achieve their fullest potential.”

Bernie Garner, Director of Community Services, added: “We look forwarding to using the money for a variety of projects such as extra summertime play sessions, an interactive sensory mat for our sensory room and development of our Woodland Garden.”

Suzy Glaskie, who co-founded The Big Birthday Appeal with Jude Moryoussef, said: “We’re delighted that after 18 years – and thanks to the dedication of our amazing committee – the Big Birthday Appeal is still going strong and is more relevant than ever in today’s society.

Our mission is to inspire and empower kids to get involved with helping others and to raise much-needed funds to help Jewish children with special needs in our community.”