THE immediate future of a cash-strapped Aberaeron-based children’s charity has been secured by some unexpected Welsh Government funding.

RAY Ceredigion has been facing an uphill battle to survive in recent years and its failure to secure a Lottery grant in April 2016 raised question marks over their future.

But RAY manager Gill Byrne revealed this week that the charity - originally set up to help young people before evolving into an organisation supporting all ages – had been thrown an unexpected cash lifeline by Cardiff Bay.

“Thanks to the support of Ceredigion residents who added their names to the recent petition, RAY Ceredigion received additional and unexpected funding from Welsh Government, averting any imminent threat of closure,” she said in a statement.

“The funds were part of the All Wales Play Opportunities Grant awarded to Ceredigion County Council.”

A County Hall spokesperson confirmed that the local authority had received £64,259 from the Welsh Government All Wales Play Opportunities Grant.

“We are very pleased that we could use some of this grant to support RAY Ceredigion to continue to provide their excellent service,” he added.

“The remainder of the grant will support play areas in Cardigan, Capel Bangor, Penrhyncoch, Llanrhystud and Drefach.”

Ceredigion MP Ben Lake, who visited the charity last month to add his support, said he was ‘delighted’ that the cash would enable RAY Ceredigion to continue their work in the county.

“RAY already have an such impressive track record in providing high-quality, inclusive projects and activities, helping families and communities achieve health lifestyles,” he added.

“This funding is fully deserved, and I look forward to seeing how it will support RAY’s continued growth and development for years to come.”

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