SWINDON Down’s Syndrome Group had a surprise cash boost when Heart radio’s breakfast presenters popped in unannounced.

Breakfast presenters Ben Atkinson and Mel Everett handed over a staggering £41,300 to the charity, collected through fundraising events under the Global Make Some Noise media organisation.

The Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group supports children and their families in Wiltshire. The money raised will completely fund the cost of speech and language therapy sessions.

The charity also runs family activities and trips, giving children with Down’s and their families the opportunity to share quality time and meet other families in the same situation at youth clubs and activities.

Kim West, chairman of the Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group, said: “We’re overwhelmed by the generosity of Heart Wiltshire and its listeners. We knew we were getting a grant from Global’s Make Some Noise, but never in our wildest dreams did we expect this much. We’re now secure for the next three years. No more scrimping. No more panicking. Thanks to Heart Wiltshire listeners and the people of Wiltshire.”

Global, the media & entertainment group, created Global’s Make Some Noise in 2014 to offer a voice and a lifeline to small charities and projects that are doing inspiring work to help disadvantaged youngsters but are struggling to be heard.

Global brands including Heart, Capital, LBC, Classic FM, Smooth, Radio X, Capital XTRA and Gold provide a platform to reach a weekly audience of 30 million people.

In its first three years, Global’s Make Some Noise has raised nearly nearly £6million and raised awareness for 135 charities and projects in the UK.

Marcus Langreiter, Heart Wiltshire’s managing editor, said: “We believe that young people from all walks of life deserve the same opportunities and the Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group does a great job of helping local youngsters.

"We know how difficult it can be for small charities to be heard and we’re in the privileged position of being able to help with that. As well as raising money for the charity, we’ve helped them raise awareness and grow their network of donors so they can continue to do more great work.

"We’re so proud that through the kindness of our listeners we can help put a smile on the faces of kids in our community.”

Emma Bradley, director of Global’s Make Some Noise, said: “Global’s Make Some Noise is all about finding and championing small charities that can often get overlooked. We’re thrilled that we’ve been able to fund so many inspiring services right across the UK, all thanks to our fabulous supporters.

"So, however you got involved, from cake baking to bucket shaking, from fear facing to marathon racing – we’d like to say a huge thanks for helping us to make some noise for the Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group."