A ‘first of its kind’ £1m family centre for children with special needs is a step closer to reality after a £32,000 boost from staff at a local business.

Employees from Wimbledon-based Apogee Corporation, which has a strong sense of corporate social responsibility, donated the impressive sum to Linden Lodge School in Wimbledon Park on Monday.

The school is approaching its £1m target to build a new family centre at its site in Princes Way, which caters for visually impaired and multi-disabled students of all ages.

Wimbledon Times:

Staff from the Apogee Corporation with Roger Legate (in the hat) and children at Linden Lodge School

The running total stands at £740,000 and it is hoped the new centre will open next summer.

Roger Legate OBE, the school’s principal said a new family centre would mean the world to the hundreds of parents and their children who attend the school or benefit from its services.

Speaking about the proposed centre, Mr Legate said: "It gives them a community, makes them feel safe and supported and gives them a sense of belonging.

"It gives them a professional base to get support for education, health and social care.

"It will be the first nationally for children with complex needs."

Representatives from innovative print service company Apogee Corporation including co-founder Jason Collins visited the school on Monday to present a cheque to the school.

Mr Collins said: "It is really important personally for us.

"We have been raising money for the school for 19 years.

"I think it’s important for a company to have corporate responsibility and work with the local community."

Employees at the company have taken part in a number of fundraising activities this year including a 21 mile River Thames row and an assault course challenge.

They will be taking on the London to Paris bike ride in June next year for the school.

To donate to the fund, visit the website.