Tight business bosses were today slammed for shunning a plea for help to send sick youngsters on holiday.

Hardworking Hadleigh charity boss Molly Durkin sent out 200 letters to big companies in south Essex in the hope of a little support.

A month later, she has not had a single reply.

Mrs Durkin, who is nearly 70 years old, set up Cushions to offer support to children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

The lifeline charity arranges days out and short breaks for the youngsters and their families.

Mrs Durkin said: "I was not expecting cheques for hundreds of pounds - just £5 from each would have been nice. That is not a lot for the big companies I wrote to.

"I usually work hard to gather the money for these trips but I am getting old now and thought the companies would help. It is not as if I am asking individuals for their money. They are successful businesses."

Mrs Durkin set up a charity shop in the hope of bringing in some extra funding.

It is making enough to cover small treats for the 40 families she helps.

She added: "I think it is disgusting these companies do not want to help these sick children. They just do not seem to want to help small charities.

I used to work for a big charity and a lot of the money raised went to paying wages. That is why I set up Cushions - to make sure the cash got to the kids.

"I am hoping to take as many children away as I can afford. It is not looking good at the moment though."

Cushions is holding a dance on May 28 at Pitsea Leisure Centre.

Tickets for the dance, which starts at 8pm, cost £3.50.

Contact Molly Durkin for tickets, or to offer your support - 01268 450604 or 01268 475698, 78 Moretons, Pitsea, SS13 3LS.

Visit the Cushions shop at 16 Benfleet Road, Hadleigh.

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