The Legacy Rainbow House centre was launched in style in October by Manchester United defender, John O’Shea, with guests including health professionals, sponsors, councillors and educationalists from across the region giving their support at the official opening.

The Manchester United player was chosen to open the centre because of the new corporate partnership deal between Manchester United and The Legacy Rainbow House. The Charity was recently selected as one of Manchester United’s six chosen charities across the UK and a rigorous tendering process.

The Legacy will offer children with disabilities from across the region an even wider range of specialist educational services than those currently offered at Rainbow House. These include access to a fantastic range of activities including horse riding, a small animal farm, a sensory play area, sensory garden, a garden house, music, drama, art and ultimately a sports facility funded by Manchester United.

Joe Mawdsley, Director of Services at The Legacy Rainbow House said, “At present we are able to offer services to 86 children who come from as far as Oldham, Cheshire and Wrexham. We have a long waiting list and The Legacy will enable us to offer support to more children in the future.

We hope that with the valuable support of our local community who help us so much with their fundraising activities, and the support of our corporate partners, we will be able to continue to extend our range of services to the children and their families. Our aim is that The Legacy will not simply be a facility for disabled children, but will also be available for the whole community to use. We want to develop facilities and services that can benefit the largest possible number of users.” “We are very proud of our partnership with Rainbow House and everyone at Manchester United is committed to raising both awareness and funds for this key charity organisation,” said Manchester United Chief Executive David Gill. “Our specific project with Rainbow House is to assist in the development of an indoor sports arena and we hope that the strength of the Manchester United brand will also assist in raising the overall profile of Rainbow House”.