FOR many disabled people, music is the only way of communicating. That is why Debbie Wolfsohn, of Purton's Music Alive charity, is so delighted that the group is to receive vital funding from this year's Marriott Charity Ball.

The £4,000 the group has been promised will be used to enhance support workers' skills through a series of development workshops.

Debbie, the group director and musician said: "We had the idea for these workshops but just didn't have the cash to make them a reality.

"Now that we have this money we can really put it to good use.

"Rather than just being given a lump of cash for a one-off event this money will have longstanding, far reaching effects.

"Support workers will now be able to attend our workshops and improve their own teaching skills which can only be of long-term benefit to our clients.

"For some of these people, music is their only way of communicating.

"Many support workers have requested more training because they are convinced of the importance of music in the lives of their clients."

Music Alive already provides the opportunity for disabled people to work with musicians.

The charity works with people who suffer a range of learning disabilities, including Down syndrome and autism.

They hold several sessions each week at Bentham House, near Purton and also hold a jam session at The Bell Inn, in Purton Stoke, on Monday evenings.

Music Alive is just one of the nine charities which are set to benefit from the Marriott Charity Ball, which expects to raise £40,000.

The ball, now a major event in Swindon's social calendar, is in its 16th year and has generated more than £400,000 for local charities since it first began.

The event's main sponsor is Nationwide, which matches all the cash raised pound for pound.

The Evening Advertiser is also backing the ball, which includes dinner, dancing and an auction of goods donated by local businesses.

The newspaper is producing the programme for this year's ball.

Anyone wishing to place advertising in the programme should call Anne Hollands on 01793 528144.

The Marriott Charity Ball takes place on Saturday, May 8, at the Swindon Marriott Hotel.

Tickets are available from Alison Breakspeare on 01793 655064.

Individual tickets cost £70 or are available as tables of 10, price £700.

A deposit of £10 will be required and cheques should be made payable to The Charity Ball.