Donna Claire Venture in Seaburn will shut unless £100,000 is raised before the end of the year.

Without the home, families from across North East England say they would have nowhere to take their disabled loved ones on holiday and no one to turn to for respite care.

Today Edith Lockney, 80, of Sheridan Road, South Shields, expressed her concerns for daughter Hazel if the complex closes.

Hazel has received respite care at the home for several years.

Her mother said: "Hazel goes to Donna Claire three or four times a year as a break for both her and myself. Recently we were given the terrible news that it is in grave danger of having to close.

"The management and staff do a wonderful job, and my daughter and all the people who stay there love going there. It also gives myself and other carers a chance to recharge our batteries. The thought of it closing fills me with great sadness.

"What is needed is some kind of sustained help in the cost of running such an immensely needed facility. Perhaps local firms could help out with sponsorship.

"I know money is tight right now, but any form of financial help would go a long way. There are a lot of people out there who rely on Donna Claire. Please don't let them fight this on their own."

Geraldine Plunkett and friend Audrey Turnbull have run the home for 25 years and are hoping it can be saved.

Ms Plunkett, 56, said: "There's nowhere else in the country like this which provides a short break for people with physical disabilities not in a hospital or a nursing home."

The home has 18 staff and five fully-equipped bedrooms with beautiful views of the coastline, as well as a lounge, kitchen and bathroom.

The charity needs £100,000 by Christmas and a further £212,000 a year to keep going.

If you can make a donation, call 529 3171 or write to: The Donna Claire Venture, 6 Seaburn Terrace, Sunderland, SR6 8BZ.