CASH raised by the 5X5 Appeal will help Crewe-based charity CLIMB boost many services, including distribution of its popular newsletter.

The publication is a friend dropping in for thousands of parents facing isolation as they care for children with life-threatening metabolic diseases.

It keeps them up-to-date on research and treatment, while raising a smile with news of whacky fundraisers.

Funds raised by the £125,000 Chronicle-CLIMB appeal will extend a range of services co-ordinated by CLIMB from its offices in Nantwich Road.

CLIMB founder Lesley Greene says: 'Unlike most other publications, CLIMB Update relies solely on subscriptions and donations to pay for the publication costs and does not feature any advertising.

'The newsletters really help to reduce the isolation felt by families of children affected by metabolic diseases.

'So often they contact us to say how much they have learned from the experts and how much they have felt kindred spirits with the families featured within the pages.'

Since CLIMB first began as the Re-search Trust for Metabolic Diseases in Children back in 1981, it has produced a quarterly newsletter.

The earliest were typed on an old portable typewriter and distributed to all contacts.

Today's newsletters are read across the world and lodged with the British Library.

In April CLIMB is launching a new-look publication to mark the 25th anniversary.

The Printing House Ltd, based at Marshfield Bank in Crewe, is sponsoring the cost of the first edition.

Supporting the 5X5 Appeal will help cover the cost of future editions in August and December.

* TO stage a fundraiser for the 5x5 Appeal, phone the Chronicle newsdesk on 01270 502430.

Donations can be sent to the Chronicle, 32-34 Victoria Street, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 2JE. Cheques should be made payable to CLIMB.

They may also be sent to CLIMB headquarters at 176 Nantwich Road, Crewe CW2 6BG.

Offers of help can also be e-mailed to the Chronicle at the following address: crewe.news@cheshirenews.co.uk