HAMPSHIRE businesses tee-ed off to save a charity that transforms the lives of severely disabled children and adults from closure.

Companies from across the county enjoyed a day of golf at Meon Valley to raise vital funds for the cash-strapped Rainbow Centre.

As previously reported, the centre in Fareham sent out a desperate appeal to raise £150,000 in just four weeks to keep its doors open.

With less than a week to go, the total now stands at £118,000 thanks to the £5,000 boost from the golf tournament, which saw 72 players take part.

The day at the Meon Valley Marriott Hotel and Country Club saw several local businesses take their chance to help save the charity including Gosport Heating Services and was won by the KMA 7th Reserves.

This latest injection of cash leaves the centre £32,000 short of its target total and Lara Bull, who manages the centre, has warned that if the full amount is not raised by the Easter bank holiday, the charity will not re-open and staff will be put on unpaid leave until funds can be raised.

The Rainbow Centre, in Palmerston Drive, uses a unique form of positive learning which develops new neurological pathways to undamaged parts of the brain.

It helps children with cerebral palsy, but also adults with conditions like Parkinson’s disease or those who have had a stroke or head injury.

To donate towards the centre’s Crisis Appeal call 01329 289500, visit rainbowcentre.org, text RBOW21 and the donation amount to 70070 or send a cheque payable to ‘The Rainbow Centre’ to The Rainbow Centre, Bradbury Building, Palmerston Drive, Fareham PO14 1BJ.