TIME is running out to help a children’s cancer charity expand its offering.

The Joshua Tree is looking to raise nearly £28,000 after experiencing a surge in demand for its services.

This money will be used to purchase land at its support centre near Northwich, as well as fencing and equipment for new outdoor activities.

However, with just a few weeks left to go, the charity still needs an additional £6,000 in pledges, otherwise it won’t receive a penny.

Angie Challoner, children's support worker at The Joshua Tree, said: “We have a centre at the minute and this is used to its capacity as we’re getting busier and busier.

“We use a lot of the indoor areas, but we need more outdoor space so children are able to come here and get involved with outdoor games and sports.

“It’ll be invaluable for us to have access to this new outdoor space that we’re aiming to get through the crowdfunding campaign.”

Around 1,500 individuals have been supported since the charity was formed in 2006 by Lynda and David Hall after their son Joshua was diagnosed with leukaemia.

Last year, many new families turned to the charity for support with a 120 per cent increase on the previous year.

With this increased demand, the charity now requires additional outdoor space at its Support Centre off Dalefords Lane in Sandiway.

This space will be used to host nature walks, community gardening, forest Schools, bushcraft, den building, and cooking, among other things.

Debbie Wilkinson, corporate partnership officer at The Joshua Tree, said: “We want to make it a home from home where families can come and feel safe and supported.

“We want them to be able to share their concerns and experiences with other families.

“We’ve had a lot of support through the Cheshire West Crowd and it’s always out there if you reach out to people.

“It’s the first time we’ve crowdfunded, but we’ve found the process relatively easy and it’s definitely something we’d do again.”

The crowdfunding project was set up by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The full amount of £27,484 must be pledged in order for the charity to receive the grant.

So far, just over £21,000 has been raised, with the bulk of this coming from the council itself.

To donate, visit SpaceHive and search for “Help us to grow The Joshua Tree Charity”.