A CHILDREN’S charity has paid tribute to a number of local Forth Valley organisations for helping to support their wonderful cause.

Over the month of March, the Kidney Kids Scotland has campaigned to raise some much needed funds and as World Kidney Day approaches, they wish to thank the local businesses who took time to play their part.

The organisations who helped include Alloa Athletic and McDonalds, Alloa, as well as the Kelpies and Central FM.

Kidney Kids Scotland are dedicated to helping children with renal and urology problems and their families.

The charity provides direct financial and emotional support and also help to improve treatment and services across Scotland by funding equipment in hospitals and funding essential medical posts.

A spokeswoman for the charity said: “Kidney Kids Scotland seek to find out to find out where the gaps in treatment and services are and how they can help to fill these gaps.

“The charity believe in children receiving the best care they possibly can and continue to campaign for improvements and to help fund new types of equipment or pilot new forms of treatment.

“The charity could not help to make these continual improvements without the amazing support that we receive from the public, through sponsorship or through corporate support.

“The annual World Kidney Day campaign in March is a fantastic way for Kidney Kids Scotland to highlight kidney health, raise awareness of the charity and give local organisations the opportunity to get involved to help make a difference.”

Through the charity, not only are children and their families experiencing a huge difference to their quality of life, but the clinical outcomes are also improved.

The charity were also instrumental in the setting up of the renal service in Forth Valley and have provided equipment, which again helps children to get certain treatments closer to home.

The spokeswoman added: “Kidney Kids Scotland are absolutely overwhelmed by the support we have received this year.

“Local businesses have really got behind this campaign by encouraging staff to dress in the kidney kids colours of blue and yellow or by selling raffle tickets, organising cake bakes, fitness challenges, dress down days and selling Kidney Kids merchandise.

“All of this, on top of their normal day to day jobs.”

She continued: “The Kidney Kids team are so grateful to everyone for their hard work, generosity and enthusiasm which has helped make this year’s campaign such a success.

“It has been wonderful to see everyone get behind this campaign and to support their local children’s charity and the sense of community spirit has been heart-warming.”