AN under threat charity is urging people to wear brightly coloured clothes on May 16 to help boost its coffers and help ill children in need.

Rosie’s Rainbow Fund, which supports the families of children with disabilities and life-threatening illnesses, is holding its Wear Rainbow Day next month.

Residents are being urged to make a donation and wear bright clothing or face paint to work or school on May 16.

The fund was launched by Carolyn Mayling after her daughter Rosie died from the rare disease vasculitis on May 14, 2003.

Ms Mayling said: “We wanted to do something that would be a day to officially remember Rosie. “Rosie was a colourful child and loved wearing colourful tights.

"On the day of her funeral we held a memorial to celebrate her life at the Novello Theatre. “When we left the theatre we saw a huge double Rainbow.

"Wear Rainbow Day seems a very fitting tribute to Rosie.”

The charity has supported the Megsons from Downley after young Arlia was diagnosed with the same disease, which causes inflammation and damage to the blood vessels and other organs.

The Maidenhead-based charity launched an urgent appeal for donations in February, warning it would be “operating on fumes” unless it received financial backing within three months.

For more information about the charity, Wear Rainbow Day or to donate, visit www.rosiesrainbowfund.co.uk