"Can you believe that 40,000 children in the UK are taking anti-depressants?” Sophia Giblin, Director of Clear Sky Children’s Foundation, has come up with a great way to support children across Oxfordshire through emotional and behavioural problems.

Inspired by personal experience, Sophia set up the Charity Clear Sky Children’s Foundation in 2010 following her family’s experience linked to death of her mother when Sophia was only 15.

Sophia said: Play Therapy is thought of as the most effective form of support for children. It involves the use of toys, sand play, music and arts to engage the child at their level and allow them to play out their difficulties and heal their emotional wounds. You can now find Clear Sky in force across Oxfordshire in the Clear Sky Play Bus.

“Having relied upon many generous and supportive individuals and trusts, Clear Sky managed to purchase and modify an ex-ambulance which we now drive to schools where the children are desperate to get on board where the therapy takes place.

“When they are not knee deep in toys on this magical bus, the Clear Sky team is running here, there and everywhere trying to raise funds to keep the charity going. The thing is...schools need Clear Sky and one bus in no longer enough!”

Clear Sky’s local friends at Fat Lil’s music and comedy club in Witney are doing all they can to help with this appeal. Owner and Captain Jack Sparrow look-a-like Paul Spink has been pumping iron in the gym for the last few months in preparation for his charity row of the Thames to raise funds.

Clear Sky will be bank side, cheering him on and would love to see you there in the crowd.

He starts his mission on Saturday, September 21, setting sail from The Rose Revived, Newbridge Nr Witney, and finishes at The Angel on the Bridge in Henley on Sunday, September 22.

If you would like to support a great and worthy cause, you can donate to Clear Sky at mydonate.bt.com/charities/clearskychildrensfoundation or alternatively, go along and support Paul on his heroic rowing mission.

Volunteer fundraisers are also needed at the event and in the run up to the big row, so please contact Clear Sky if you can help.

Visit www.clear-sky.org.uk to find out more or call Sophia or Kirby on 07821 202931.