Minstead Trust in Hampshire launched the ‘Me, not my disability’ campaign two months ago, led by people with learning disabilities wanting to show there was more to them than just their disability.

They displayed their passions and showed that, with the right support, they could be more appreciated and seen by society.

The Trust’s supporters had just one week from 29 November to hit the £55,000 target as part of the annual Big Give Christmas Challenge. More than 240 supporters donated to surpass the target on the last morning. This was a record total for Minstead Trust, beating the amount raised last year of £45,000.

During the campaign, Josh, who is supported by the charity, was featured saying: “I am an artist, I am a designer, I am normal,” while showing the public his love and skill for pyrography artwork via the charity’s social media channels and website.

Others supported by the Trust include Louisa, who is the lead baker at Lily&Lime, a café run for and by people with learning disabilities in Portsmouth. She said: “I am a good baker, I am polite, I am fun. I think baking is fun and it’s my dream to be known for my baking. I love being myself and I wouldn’t want to be anyone else.”

Money raised will support people like Louisa and Josh to achieve their dreams by raising their profiles in society. One way the charity aims to do this is through increasing their digital presence, as well as putting together regular life journey sessions with a professional guidance coach.

Another crucial use of donations will be for wellbeing support sessions. These involve checking in with people’s mental wellbeing, as well as focusing on their aspirations for the future.

“Fundraisers like the Big Give are so important to provide the resources needed to really support people to live the life they choose. Given the economic situation, we weren’t sure whether the public would be able to support as much this year,” said Dawn Wood, director of Development at Minstead Trust. “To see our supporters continue to donate is incredibly humbling and will make such a difference to the lives of people with a learning disability. We are so grateful to everyone who has given this year.”

Minstead Trust supports more than 270 people with learning disabilities along the south coast, to live in their own homes, learn new skills and work towards employment.

You can find out more about the work of the Trust by visiting www.minsteadtrust.org.uk